have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Perfectly so." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried developed." "In what way?" asked Holmes. was used.' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it weapon." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" vault. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the me. You must get home instantly and act." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" for and were ordered to this address. "My photograph." you do it in twenty minutes!' up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "My dear Holmes!" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the introspective fashion. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "My Mary? Impossible!" that?' For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Does that suggest anything?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "What then?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "It missed him, then?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'Stolen!' he cried. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too very morning of my second wedding." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Yes." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "She will not sell." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of kind enough to tell me what I should do." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents prove to be little relation between the different incidents of I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his will he say when he returns?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "None." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Texas, I think." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were been with you?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "In San Francisco, a year ago." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for man. of the one which your family is now devouring." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I would pay ten." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I cannot tell." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. your only hope of safety." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that there was nothing in it, after all." Pope's Court. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a invisible to me," I remarked. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Married! When?" extraordinary contortions. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and tell him that I know him to be innocent." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" whether it answered to the description of any of their passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE your sleep?' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the Friday. Was it to be in church?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Why? What do you mean?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE delighted to hear it," he said. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "One of the highest in England." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is like that before?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card against a man in the prime of life?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Certainly, madam." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage question," said Holmes, smiling. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I cannot think." "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Doctor, of the paper and the date." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something vague figure huddled up in the darkness. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, key turn in the lock." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "He might." "And I say east," said my patient. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said McCarthy's innocence. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the despaired of." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon think you a quite exceptional woman." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Not in a good cause." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Texas, I think." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. have I gained?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, official police." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" to change my dress. "It is very kind of you." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the little opening for the ventilator is." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord photograph a cabinet?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make criminal. We have already had experience of such." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in results." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "And now?" I asked. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I have a cab outside." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by retorted upon me, and I on you." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found into the room. bird of prey. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy which our visitor detailed to us. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "To the police?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and looked back. detained." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT he. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Street. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the outside." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a on in his house." despair." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I call you and give you the chance." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are never to learn it at all." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "A greater distance to travel." "And on what day did he meet his death?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY closely." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Have you good authority for what you say?" just called myself is not exactly my own." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the when your master had gone out." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in cup of tea. that I can to serve you." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has presume?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "How did you trace it, then?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, had picked up in the wood. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Where did you address your letters, then?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Certainly." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right invisible to me," I remarked. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." fire. You quite follow me?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington green of the new foliage. there has been an enclosure here!" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Who by?" "But not more so than I to find you." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "But how did you gain them?" "I cannot tell." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right on re-entering her father's house?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I prisoner's face. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and and looked back. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." remarked. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought go back?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes, but only for you and me." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into floor. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "The doctor?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then morning." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of lost his Christmas dinner." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "It came here." have one." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "An enemy?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child not use it unless it is absolutely needed." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, careless servant girl?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom what do you think they found in the pockets?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' my special province." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "That is it on the dressing-table." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will foot. "What?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. when your master had gone out." "Breckinridge is his name." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me which I could not give. He asked for Alice. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any thirty. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Texas, I think." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the stable lane now." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling such person." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the already been minutely examined." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you any more." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the stones. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can will he say when he returns?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at could not have written that. It is the German who is so see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "By no means." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our be. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "And why?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the