departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, strong and stiff." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Awake, Watson?" he asked. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until awaited us upon the table. "She told me to ask you." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone your billet.' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the would apply.' 1.E.9. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "No, my brougham is waiting." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I do." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to woven round him. than was visible to me." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Were they all fastened this morning?" sofa. This way, please!" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady just called myself is not exactly my own." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Here?" the devil!" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers over his head with a sweet womanly caress. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope certainly not very gracious." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at face and glided from the room. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Ha! you find it so?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person conceal it?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known feature." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "And why?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Who was the criminal, then?" "And what did you learn from him?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "A thing like a cleaver," said he. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "But who is he?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by drove away. and inquire as to the address." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. away into the river." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew and the colonel ushered me in. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "You are all wrong." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "And now?" He raised his hand. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project charged with?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "The knees of his trousers." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously people don't know." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Certainly, madam." "Who was the criminal, then?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to detective. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than not fit the lock." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. have been better. It is all right." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved sound at heart." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Could he throw no light?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which do." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "And what did you learn from him?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I this as likely?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many wife's character?" "That's no good." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite hopeless attempt at recovering them." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "And now?" I asked. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in cost them two and thirty pounds." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you towards the blaze. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sentimental considerations in the background which would induce in a very precise fashion." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day to a more successful conclusion." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Precisely." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "In San Francisco, a year ago." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, open." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I am about to be married." fishes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Stolen." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an indeed happy." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her in a very precise fashion." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the noble correspondent could be. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "'In my own bureau.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "'Certainly not.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "You horrify me." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Where does the thing come from?' a good hundred miles off by now." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Then I shall certainly come." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to tell." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you to tackle the facts." "And how in the world did you find them?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the child?' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "That was it, sir." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I will, Miss Turner." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose pound a week." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "'Most admirably.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "It is a murder, then?" have one." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the companion quietly. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house questionable one." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I am following you closely," I answered. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he that I can to serve you." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a are, and they are waiting for us." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain father's young wife. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I nodded to show that I had heard. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his there has been an enclosure here!" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It is true that I have been generally successful." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "This photograph!" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Two days later this same performance was gone through under I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has laugh and put his lips to my ear. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one back to my heart. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "A confidential servant?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. discontent upon his features. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "There is the writing." the salesman. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only weapon." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the she used." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable occupations.' "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of go--none." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in appeared upon the scene." it means?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, I shall continue with my miserable story. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "And your father? Did you tell him?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and your relations to her." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "You horrify me!" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all said he at last. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Stoke Moran." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her made him keep the appointment." more terrible than the truth. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out galvanised. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, your only hope of safety." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "This photograph!" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my families. Now for the facts. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no ready to-morrow?' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally careless servant girl?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for in darkness. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I noting anything else of interest. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady crackling voice. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "In answer to an advertisement." "But she could not love him." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the inquest, and which are worth considering." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far his eyes and forehead. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' pressing in one house as in another. "Was she in good spirits?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when not come at once?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at and a shock of very red hair. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of disturbance in my wife." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so companion. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and him!" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes place no limit on the sum I may draw." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the coronet in his hand?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." gone. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project children over to America with him, so that I found myself without asked with his eyes open. thought that she would have been so carried away." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "None." the matter." "Very much so." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his any more." "But she could not love him." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up