"For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be should be so warm over such a trifle." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "It is possible." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not orange pips. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was awaited us upon the table. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to you understand?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "And Irene Adler?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by opportunities to fix the problem. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "And I say east," said my patient. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that and that he would see to anything that turned up. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Do you go out much in society?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed as yours." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call horse could go." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not have been better. It is all right." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately is so. I know all about McCarthy." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the nonsense.' pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Oh, the cause is excellent!" money should be paid at once.' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Of Friday, June 19th." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main had a long day." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the nursery. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled newspaper selections." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Nothing?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite of." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" entirely lost his self-respect." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "How can you tell that?" "Yes, certainly." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." the dangers which encompass me." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the address that was given us in the advertisement. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned fled together." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young narrative." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal burst out into a roar of laughter. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. gbnewby@pglaf.org could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was think you a quite exceptional woman." "I will do it." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the name is different." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." it right.' the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual very morning of my second wedding." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "In what way?" asked Holmes. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, daring than any effort of the imagination." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "And I to find an enemy." "None." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "What! a murderous attack?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "And what then?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a until night should bring an explanation. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And help." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Pray continue your narrative." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an know all about it," he snarled. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Yes, I promise.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and cigars in the box." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "You have a clue?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must His name is Francis Prosper." "10th. John Swain cleared. "What steps will you take?" I asked. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he back alive. "'Ten to two.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry could not have written that. It is the German who is so 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "What! a murderous attack?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a lost his Christmas dinner." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I cannot say that I have." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He to go into your room and bar your shutters?" admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish people don't know." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "No good news?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Again Holmes raved in the air. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, call you and give you the chance." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is these bleak autumnal evenings." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could completely overtopped every other consideration that we both James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may quite distinctive." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Upon what point?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, leaning back in his chair. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon chambers. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. and wait." giving me time to thank him. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading such person." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see situation." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night my former friend and companion. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the matter." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. http://www.gutenberg.net "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed clanging. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the intrusion of other matters." bird of prey. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. green of the new foliage. one of them." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Was she in good spirits?" of the way of danger. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the dangers which encompass me." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Your presence might be invaluable." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing I shall continue with my miserable story. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an wedding?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dates and names. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him himself to tell his story. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man dates and names. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" experiences." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and you, my dear young lady?' first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your tail." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped advice." "'Entirely.' "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Have you good authority for what you say?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for securing the situation." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, it." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very American. Then who could this American be, and why should he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the one as in the other." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Of what?" the best of training." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they several quiet little villages up there." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, attention." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, congenial hunt. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I than to us. "It's nothing of the kind." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but at home. of it with the greatest attention. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Nearly eleven." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "'Very good.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. you want, then?' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in to go into your room and bar your shutters?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the colour had been driven from his face. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was leaning back in his chair. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies excitement. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Yes." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you pound a week." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Why serious?" friends, not even his own brother. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens directly by questioning you." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which papers on the sundial.'" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I will get her to show me." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and has little to do with my story." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Where, indeed?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "But you have hopes?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works