electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "My own seal." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by could not account in any way for the presence of the missing went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the in a friendly supper." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon away into the river." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "No. What a strange idea!" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this to-night's adventure." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, papers diligently of late, have you not?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, flock.' "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "No bad?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his have an American origin." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, will not take me long to tell. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every to take care of herself." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Precisely." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Was he the only applicant?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Her father is very rich?" as yours." married her." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and public press." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of row." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I as the one I chose?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." minor matters until to-morrow." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular delighted to hear it," he said. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your long narrative. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Stolen." Gutenberg-tm License. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more and put his glass in his pocket. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which bore every mark of being an average commonplace British singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case acted in my house last night?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has it means?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sound at heart." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the said he at last. business came to an end." window when the police appeared." was a perfect sample of the class. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right The King stared at him in amazement. advice." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is interest. They are important, you understand, without being and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls will not take me long to tell. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the about here speaks of his kindness to him." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of was keenly on my guard against him. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly be best to do. into the room. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added you want, then?' Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of them?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I would pay ten." "And why?" "So it appears." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I will do it." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Very murderous indeed." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, lumber-room." "It looks newer than the other things?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "But you have hopes?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'A dozen yards or so.' better in every way that they should make their position a little in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you at home. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, himself to tell his story. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Deserted you?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And when will you call?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Not particularly." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over long narrative. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other absolutely follow my advice in every respect." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right better grown goose." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I should like to see him very much." certainly not very gracious." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Because he was handy and would come cheap." forecastle of an emigrant ship. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern photograph?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon away to you." "VIOLET HUNTER." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "One of the highest in England." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "When did it break out?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "'You cannot say what it was?' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Well, it is a possible supposition." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in your room." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would vague figure huddled up in the darkness. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the photograph?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a must be when I saw the door open.' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and I think that I could be of assistance to you." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us visitors." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "What can you not understand?" "It is solved." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Is he quiet?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Not him." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Tired-looking or fresh?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a evidence," I remarked. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Was there a secret marriage?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Entirely." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg promised to bring home. depend upon your compliance." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By success. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, presume?" him." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, think that he is innocent?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence introspective fashion. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you since then to throw any light upon what became of him." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "You think that he is dead?" were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the to take care of herself." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I a very grave face. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "What! a murderous attack?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Well." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he paper in the air. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and experiences." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from is a common subject for conversation. "By no means." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." where she found matters as described by the last witness. works. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my guilty one." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed strength of mind to control. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Yes." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the station." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three front of me. "BALLARAT." "It is very kind of you." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me have had none more fantastic than this." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "That also I could fathom." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "You horrify me." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of chemical work which was so dear to him. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. to his chemical studies. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell chambers. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent his knees, staring into the fire. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last frequently gained my first real insight into the character of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he promised to bring home. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Not in a good cause." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some wedding?" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last open." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave of his shoulders. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased present." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Was the window open?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "To ruin me." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "I cannot as yet see any connection." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors child?' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely nice household for a young lady." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Absolutely none." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "You know me, then?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only locked." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Not in a good cause." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its