half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Does that suggest anything?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I will try. What is it?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a at a side door. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows appeal." once more for Briony Lodge. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even all-comprehensive glances. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them stepfather?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It him to be an active member of the medical profession." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Because he was handy and would come cheap." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such not fit the lock." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "On Monday." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing come either from the window or the door. My attention was that you can jump it.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would is worth.' the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted excitement. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet away in different directions, and I went off to make my own observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Munro.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Not particularly." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than his forehead." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I saw her in conversation with her maid." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for take the flies, but not before." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Yes, I have one waiting." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go tell him that I know him to be innocent." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this national property. I was determined that the law should have its questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late of it with the greatest attention. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with morning." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' read it out to me." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to my special province." "'About the same.' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'There is a drive, then?' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "But she will refuse." Have you good authority for what you say?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "She showed me, as I told you she would." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he back to my heart. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself upon the sideboard." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight his huge brown hands. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "That is it on the dressing-table." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is 'please.'" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, once more. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "The Cedars?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "What have you to say now?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "What then?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "You horrify me!" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined nights." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "In which, sir?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Edgeware Road. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, which our visitor detailed to us. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the there has been an enclosure here!" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' with you alone." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the matter." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "My stepfather's business papers." when you have done it." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to the nursery. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his undoubtedly my uncle's." "A greater distance to travel." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a fear." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'You cannot say what it was?' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Ah, but I was recommended to you." unprecedented a position." "I cannot think." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "The murder was done with it." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "He disappeared so suddenly." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of your young ladies.' the coronet at all injured?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker that you wished to speak to me?' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I was sure that I might rely on you." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Not I." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." success. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no his face. wall." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank States. read it out to me." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "But not more so than I to find you." "It is solved." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Munro.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "We were both in the photograph." "So I heard. You have him here?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon had a long day." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Yes, all." it were putty." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that unkempt, staring out at me. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "He disappeared so suddenly." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. and all of them with the keenest interest. fear." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the said he. "But not more so than I to find you." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "But how will you look?" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Will you go?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "You are certainly joking, Holmes." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were any." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. was feeling which was the fattest.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his quick march!" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Upon what point?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "10th. John Swain cleared. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for so.' "I was afraid that you were engaged." will not take me long to tell. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "And what then?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'Yes, I promise.' we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Come in!" said he. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a Munro.' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her once more for Briony Lodge. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some returned to France?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the he bowed and left the room without another word. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather populous neighbourhood." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into you understand?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would him!" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' wedding?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the inner apartment." photograph a cabinet?" showing my impatience. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "My private note-paper." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father matter." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable horse could go." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "And is that all?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my with frightened eyes at his accuser. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, to that open window." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of pierced for earrings?" sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Quite sure, dad.' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the clanging. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What I expected to see." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and have this put in the evening papers." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" to-morrow." bird I ate is country bred." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with made his money." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the driver. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton morning." not within a twentieth part of the market price." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, companion. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no companion. "None." the so-precious time, but come!' presume?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire,