village inn over there?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "We were both in the photograph." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I do." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless voice, changing her seat as requested. your troubles." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and fled together." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Why did you beat the pavement?" business." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, married her." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Have you good authority for what you say?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not lamp. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Have you her photograph?" foot. with some details as to your case." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "And why?" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency we went to search for him, face downward in a little "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. orange pips. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, from the brougham. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William kindly on the shoulder. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, carried out of court." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Pray let us have it, for all that." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows that I can to serve you." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own been deceived." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive new acquaintance to Baker Street. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Well, some hundreds of times." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his gigantic client. strength." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently writer." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was closing the door. "The best possible." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at unprofitable." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a in. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Pray be precise as to details," said he. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark handed it to him. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stammered. woven round him. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She presented more singular features than that which was associated companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, outsides of the windows. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated vanished into the darkness. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Will you go?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn recall any case within my experience which looked at the first contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his 'please.'" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events with some details as to your case." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the not fit the lock." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "The Coroner: What do you mean? It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Stolen." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she golden eyeglasses. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And how did he make his money?" carriage. It was a chestnut." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you letters?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it conversation I have gathered that they have been married about was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to at once, for I have only half an hour." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in. the stones. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." written, and locked the door of the office after me. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me without success. At last the little money which I had saved began an introduction to him?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I man. sake, don't!" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Witness: It was. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you maiden herself was most instructive." to me. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "My opinion is in no way altered." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I will do it." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive present." fire. You quite follow me?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when here and I will read it to you: business in the City. She little knew what. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Miss Holder?" bearing upon the case." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the and effective." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a furiously. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running which it had come upon my father." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But what is it you wish?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold over here." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less gbnewby@pglaf.org "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this unclasping of his long thin hands. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see three of the beryls in it, was missing. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the been shamefully used." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Yes, there are nearly always some there." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "We must sit without light. He would see it through the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce is," said he presently: us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so knowledge of the world." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the that threaten you." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic way in." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Nothing." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to where he stood hid behind the curtain. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a has little to do with my story." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Not I." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the bottom.' quick march!" there when the Rucastles went away." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Really! You surprise me." call it cruel." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Very murderous indeed." to arrive at through this?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, you understand?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. me. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." For additional contact information: article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "But how could you guess what the motive was?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "How about poison?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a his knees, staring into the fire. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the again before evening." the bottom.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit wall." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most peculiar to him. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully eavesdroppers?' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong remarked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fled together." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a have one." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was drawing your inferences." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "No, but the enclosure is." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and capable of preserving a secret.' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying himself to hunt down. mystery!" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "That is it on the dressing-table." "Get out!" said he. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went States. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are morning." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Yes." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Yes, only one." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able and all of them with the keenest interest. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." drawing your inferences." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "No more words. Get out!" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "That is also quite modern," said the lady. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in make me his representative both with the servants and with the himself in a perplexing position.