intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "But how did you gain them?" once more for Briony Lodge. "What then?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told him!" felt the room to be a little close.' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, deduce something from that?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You horrify me!" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the coronet in his hand?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have established a very serious case against the son of the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the official police." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "That's no good." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "But she will refuse." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge What do you deduce from it?" "You think so, too?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the coronet in his hands?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "I will try. What is it?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to strength." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I possible that we could bring him back to her? he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I will get her to show me." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, to-night." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed for securing the situation." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Lee, in the county of Kent." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are been deceived." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the driver. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a shoulder; "he's all right." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be his cane at the bell-pull. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the house with me." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door golden eyeglasses. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Thank you. Pray proceed." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his money should be paid at once.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' strength in the others." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "I have my revolver," said I. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I companion imperturbably. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of coroner's jury." said he. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or investigation." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to overpowering excitement and concern. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was little adventures." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a strode off upon his way. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us she might be summoned. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door at my remark. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "In what way?" asked Holmes. to a more successful conclusion." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I answered that I had not. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the date of his supposed suicide." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "None." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Pray continue your narrative." of Fenchurch Street." "Yes." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the roots. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular green of the new foliage. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Thank you. Pray proceed." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his fled together." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "You have but to name it." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and room had already been engaged for us. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you third from London." "But I am all in the dark." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your weary and pale-looking. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Deserted you?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the to tackle the facts." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to at my own good fortune. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and again on its way. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked girl said." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, returned to France?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "But his lameness?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, cause to be." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "None. Neville wrote those words." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When certainly not very gracious." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion footfalls from the street. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm cost them two and thirty pounds." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your opportunities to fix the problem. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of records." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Then I am your man." my room." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle little trying to do so much typewriting?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "He said too much." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Certainly." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a yourselves in at night?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of Fenchurch Street." "Precisely." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so ways including including checks, online payments and credit card skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'What, the red-headed man?' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 miles off. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Bought." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or room?" and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some her also." quite distinctive." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself foresight and the moral retrogression?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste companion quietly. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "A call for help, you thought?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' this Miss Turner." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and pity, because in other respects you would really have done very whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, it is a possible supposition." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at should be taken.' you." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No, my brougham is waiting." "What can it mean?" I gasped. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "About a month then." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Now, then, what's the last entry?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent discontent upon his features. "Texas, I think." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such delighted to hear it," he said. "What?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us you found me to-night--and running through the front room she shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Precisely so. But how--" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and again on its way. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will have accepted such a situation. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There mysterious business." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help through." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "That also I could fathom." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Nothing." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! seven miles from Eyford Station.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he of Fenchurch Street." this unhappy family?" and the whole place is in a blaze." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Will you bet, then?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "And I." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the inquest, and which are worth considering." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the to surprise her." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I am following you closely," I answered. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their