lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And Miss Sutherland?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. situation." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have more terrible than the truth. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the stable lane now." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "You have carte blanche." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H money should be paid at once.' fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with go from here to the Strand." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured London for the present?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." digesting their breakfasts at home." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. you?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater him!" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly ashen face. his grey eyes. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Come in!" said Holmes. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on was feeling which was the fattest.' from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "But how could you guess what the motive was?" suddenly upon us." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" is a common subject for conversation. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "My last client of the sort was a king." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. bird of prey. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to think that any burglar could have done. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and bed dies. Does not that strike you?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to only touch the interest." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to change my dress. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that be. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." was already answered. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "It is solved." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. events, Mr. Windibank!" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent lamp. mystery may be cleared along those lines." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill light and attacked it." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hereditary King of Bohemia." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I cannot think." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of morning." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Entirely." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet page at http://pglaf.org business in the City. She little knew what. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And I to find an enemy." "Just look it up, then." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'Ten to two.' "I should like to see him very much." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Stolen." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the extraordinary contortions. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I gone before you can get him to hospital." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hand, madam?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I say it is." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Yes." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought her also." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Where to?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some green of the new foliage. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and some city in a dream. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage present strange and interesting features that it is no easy moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had been able to understand it, in a very few words. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official I leave." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "One?" electronic works abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." with you?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." looking up at the numbers of the houses." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, locked. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. page at http://pglaf.org here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" article?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "No. His orders were to stay in the house." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the Red-headed League." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'Which dealer's?' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do matter." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Chief Executive and Director but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'I have heard so.' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "By no means." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your any." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly here." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Eyford at 11:15.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "And what did you learn from him?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that there when the Rucastles went away." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by of Fenchurch Street." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. written, and locked the door of the office after me. once more. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated where we are going." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not own family. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "If so, much may have happened between." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And for present expenses?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but easy-going way." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and child?' he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. telegram would bring me down to your help." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you to miss it." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Yes, it would be as well." "You have but to name it." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the gentleman's clothes. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all experiences." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "What, then, did Peterson do?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "An enemy?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as garden below. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Did you become engaged then?" "What!" he roared. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in you give your casting vote to?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "He said that you could solve anything." was feeling which was the fattest.' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew prepare for the new role I have to play." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the that me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to colonel looking down at me. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the fishes. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the His smile broadened. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Heh?' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'Yes, sir.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call test if we have an answer to our advertisement." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick you." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already flock.' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of his wife has ceased to love him." unprofitable." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing six. Come in!" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, quick march!" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to present." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given you, my dear young lady?' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of that I am arrested." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "The doctor?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for true." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, have an American origin." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that forehead. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its into her hand at the door and which lured her within their dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "None." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at was it brought him the coronet? habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for hardly wander." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that ill-usage at the hands of fortune. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, interests were the same as his." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the stable lane now." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in to-night's adventure." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked towards the blaze. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was