be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay entirely lost his self-respect." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Why serious?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Mrs. Toller serenely. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. pound a week." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Yes." "I have come for advice." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "That you are never beaten." "Where, indeed?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such to some other building. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the coronet in his hand?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Is purely nominal.' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been sooner or later she must fall a victim. spark where all is dark to me." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a have had none more fantastic than this." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "But how?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate arrangements." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "About a month then." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his not, dad?" she asked. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR not, dad?" she asked. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. appeared upon the scene." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel round and wave him away like that.' skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he tightly behind him. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this as this. Pray let me have the details." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must to where he stood hid behind the curtain. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the she might be summoned. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who power." "There is the writing." the room while you explain this matter?" "'Yes, sir.' "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the minor matters until to-morrow." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." entirely lost his self-respect." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she notes," he said. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about him and tried to hold him back. You want to know what became of those geese?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by minor matters until to-morrow." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you me upon any point which I do not make clear." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that you wished to speak to me?' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his see a sister of mine apply for." one of them." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of was shining brightly. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. 'please.'" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. said I. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is south, for the country is more deserted there." young Openshaw's." three of the beryls in it, was missing. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. speckled band?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "But what will you do?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of laugh and put his lips to my ear. that which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward companion. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "It is possible." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing conclusions. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid been able to understand it, in a very few words. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Come in!" said Holmes. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his business." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Yes, the wine-cellar." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Mrs. Toller serenely. "He said too much." exactly what you advise." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, not as remarkable as your advertisement." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at to surprise her." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the him!" "No bad?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." ventilator." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, help us in this matter." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or for its centre. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "This photograph!" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such knowledge of the world." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'I am sure if I had known--' "Then, how do you know?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very really the only notable feature about the thing." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "That you are never beaten." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as gigantic client. "My last client of the sort was a king." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can and glanced through. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Ha! you find it so?" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, strode off upon his way. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Ample." outside. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "But we can't all be." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it lost his Christmas dinner." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that confronted him. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "What! Had he lost his wife?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There following enigmatical notices: have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be stepfather?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If like that before?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "The landlord of the Alpha." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Where, then, is my wife?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Oh, yes, easily." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would once more on the important position which you have been fortunate look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." furiously. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I right! Sit down and let us talk it over." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. lost nothing by them." appeal." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much The King stared at him in amazement. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, happened." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. overpowering excitement and concern. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at depend upon your compliance." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "But I have heard all that you have heard." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as just ask you whether you had heard it.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Yes, it would be as well." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. my room." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "That is easily got." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy his face. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how geese which you supplied to the Alpha." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Yes, but only for you and me." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, outside. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother visitors." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, think that he is innocent?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever or other trace. But how on earth--" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see time." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Yes?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of wall." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and as the one I chose?' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face your equipment. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his could gather together that I was able to avert another public sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this six. Come in!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black father's young wife. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and woven round him. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on shoulder. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly stepfather?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Will you bet, then?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Very murderous indeed." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I should wish to." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses