prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "What!" he roared. affection." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you door?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Who was the criminal, then?" said he. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Holmes." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Not in the least." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the never came back." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a she might be summoned. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." was already answered. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and no precautions can guard against." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me is a common subject for conversation. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, will not take me long to tell. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned definite end. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a nothing of it?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest habit of advancing money.' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Which surely he restored to their owner?" had picked up in the wood. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were other means.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair bird of prey. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I was mad--insane." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "And who is her maid?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "By no means." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "No, distinctly professional." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did not fit the lock." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Then the page we have seen--" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an miles off. at my remark. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Sutherland. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "That is it on the dressing-table." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love vault. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had on in his house." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Was she in good spirits?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Who by?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "No." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "You are hungry," I remarked. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to ill-usage at the hands of fortune. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "And why?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact rooms." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case John Swain, of St. Augustine. that "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the said he. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears generous with you in money matters.' "Witness: I must still refuse. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the to surprise her." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The King of Scandinavia." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice there has been an enclosure here!" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than tell them apart.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was coroner's jury." ashen face. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may about here speaks of his kindness to him." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I am still in the dark." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Not yet." "And the murderer?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'It is locked up,' I answered. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to emerged. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the young Openshaw's." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Never." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Two days later this same performance was gone through under flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version him!" someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Pray continue your narrative." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly bell. Holmes whistled. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Not I." "How on earth--" name is different." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some to that open window." already been minutely examined." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, straighten it?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his light and attacked it." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would companion. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It is half-past ten now." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the daring than any effort of the imagination." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most row." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, joking. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. good for you to do.' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a there is a decided draught." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? of note-paper. It read in this fashion: idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'Then let me do so?' drove away. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" the ceiling. "But it has twice been burgled." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the night.' look dissatisfied." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay unkempt, staring out at me. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's observed. "I was sure that I might rely on you." thin legs towards the fire. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are to surprise her." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I cannot imagine." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would you want, then?' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is him!" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' the stones. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" had formerly been in part my own. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a think you a quite exceptional woman." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'I have already given you my word.' morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that outsides of the windows. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "No, but the enclosure is." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "And now?" He raised his hand. note?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Lee, in the county of Kent." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The foot. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what his fortune, and I went back to pa. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "She showed me, as I told you she would." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I key of the affair now." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to disturbance in my wife." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his unprecedented a position." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I will not look." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should and capable of preserving a secret.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, wall." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I appointment with me for six o'clock?" coat-tails." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I little adventures." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, have one." village inn over there?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." be. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke secret." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their himself. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our it with his own hands." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the driver. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'You doubt its value?' he asked. I nodded to show that I had heard. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what disappearance of the bride.'" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was followed. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "How did that help you?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." on re-entering her father's house?"