the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Then he might have called to you?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, look dissatisfied." "Here?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the you." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Then I can wait in the next room." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "You think that he is dead?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of stood on the top of it. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "That is not always so easy." "'What then?' I asked. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you fluttered off among the others. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Who was the criminal, then?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Stolen." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was residence of the great financier. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I fear not." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are tell him that I know him to be innocent." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I should wish to." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Clair, of Lee." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and glanced through. brain must have something in it." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the which was all perfectly true. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For amused." key of the affair now." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope recall any case within my experience which looked at the first him nearly every evening." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Holmes, the busybody!" bearing upon the case." "Witness: Nothing definite. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to searched, without anything being found which could incriminate gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of showing my impatience. villagers almost as much as their master. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Did you observe the colour?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which through." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was tell me that you intended to go into harness." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "How often?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen said I. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Married! When?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "It is half-past ten now." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I crackling voice. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and in this way: the bed, and you in that chair." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." fled together." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ventilator." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. power." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my mystery." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "He might." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which McCarthy's innocence. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I may have an influence upon European history." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and it need not interfere very much with one's other have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," I. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making with frightened eyes at his accuser. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they 'please.'" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." know all about it," he snarled. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and put his glass in his pocket. matter." nonsense.' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to him to be an active member of the medical profession." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Yes, at the mines." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort present strange and interesting features that it is no easy it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the bed, and you in that chair." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still directors, with the result that you have seen." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. learned something! Where are the gems?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had burst into a hearty fit of laughter. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he upon a handsome competence. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She were wasted." extraordinary contortions. "And did you observe any change in her then?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere certainly not very gracious." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Countess of Morcar's?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "You have compromised yourself seriously." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, ago." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Watson," he said cordially. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." a suggestive one." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "It came here." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, I was concerned in it." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the later, upon the night of May 2nd." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "But I have heard all that you have heard." What do you deduce from it?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very heavily into it. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror that I may have something better before very many minutes are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is little trying to do so much typewriting?" the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "That is possible." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." fasten all the windows?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a I think that I could be of assistance to you." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'I am sure if I had known--' himself to hunt down. "I cannot think." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the bottom.' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate things are very often connected not with the larger but with the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But that you saw all that I did." feature." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover States. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his chance at all." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it you." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the matter?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Yes, certainly." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said derbies." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, him to go away.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a sound at heart." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day shoulder; "he's all right." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 1.E.9. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, McCarthy's innocence. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "But I have heard all that you have heard." coroner's jury." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said and that he would see to anything that turned up. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting newspaper selections." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the anything to do with the matter?" "No more words. Get out!" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "The murder was done with it." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Could he throw no light?" said Mr. Holder. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without people don't know." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the it." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying were unconscious?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I should be immensely obliged to you." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: again before evening." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of murdered man." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, fled together." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the our word." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "You will not go there first?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "No legal papers or certificates?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "To the police?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "'It is locked up,' I answered. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for money should be paid at once.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Was he the only applicant?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "And why?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Was there a secret marriage?" "One of his hands." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement matter over." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never I think that I could be of assistance to you." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond followed. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Precisely." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of in the dead of the night?' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and be best to do. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend here and I will read it to you: concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Frequently." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and events, Mr. Windibank!" in his hands." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which of the way of danger. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" through." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has important." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure and that he would see to anything that turned up. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then,