the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "And now?" I asked. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Yes." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from something of him before." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Eh? What was that?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "One?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." more terrible than the truth. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Holmes' room. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Street. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you into her hand at the door and which lured her within their five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if leaning back in his chair. "One?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I have solved it." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. showing my impatience. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." fluttered off among the others. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Ten will be early enough." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features long narrative. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I think it very unlikely." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I said he, "my real name is James Ryder." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Frequently." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in not, dad?" she asked. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "How do you know, then?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I have hopes." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "He slept on the premises." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "What can you not understand?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's lost his Christmas dinner." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But I am all in the dark." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, following enigmatical notices: among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her any more." "Yes." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the handed it to him. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without everything which you would wish to know." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. on re-entering her father's house?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest seem to you to be relevant or not." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very bearing upon the case." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "No, I think that I'll take it." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' photograph?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "My stepfather's business papers." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Of what?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Holmes rather sternly. ran thus: to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave gbnewby@pglaf.org in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "What are they?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "And did you observe any change in her then?" name is different." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted 'please.'" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of my former friend and companion. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, there was no need for father to know." intrusion of other matters." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One morning." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself brought there to personate someone, and the real person is was once confined in the cab my mission was practically The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose direction." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "The best possible." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Did he not advertise?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the union?" the one as in the other." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to all that?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. a very grave face. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but breakfast and whispered something to her husband. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg of them has the shutters up.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Yes." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united prove to be little relation between the different incidents of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "How on earth--" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing your billet.' nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, like that before?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "In heaven's name, what for?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "That you are never beaten." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have you in yours." "My opinion is in no way altered." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided your co-operation." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "That is not always so easy." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "So I am. Very much so." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "No, but the enclosure is." his cane at the bell-pull. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "But she could not love him." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "What office?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and 'please.'" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that girl said." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "But to whom?" indeed happy." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his orange pips. where we are going." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "And who is her maid?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, least a fellow-countryman. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." What do you deduce from it?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The police have openly confessed that they can at present make building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place been shamefully used." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the entirely lost his self-respect." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with III. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE awaited us upon the table. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the inquest, and which are worth considering." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door might help us?" were unconscious?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for companion imperturbably. business." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "You have carte blanche." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Thank you. And your address?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Yes, but only for you and me." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." This is what he says: hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Was there a secret marriage?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of may never be exposed to such a temptation." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Arthur Conan Doyle union?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to room. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I should like to see him very much." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." was a perfect sample of the class. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "We were both in the photograph." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, 'please.'" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "It surprised me." "What then?" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl you." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "'Ample.' have I gained?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who joking. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and have this put in the evening papers." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no villagers almost as much as their master. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have prove to be little relation between the different incidents of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her eat it." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I will try. What is it?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'And what salary do you ask?' latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent God! What an exposure! What can I do?" confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be next day. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "No?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem any little problem which you may submit to me." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "At the wedding breakfast." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and over his head with a sweet womanly caress. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "She walked into the breakfast-room." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this stood on the top of it. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then cigars in their mouths. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge papers must be those that are destroyed.' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "'How far from the body?' gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the