science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, been with you?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Nothing." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "How on earth--" be there in time for your coming." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Could he throw no light?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps prove to be little relation between the different incidents of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head some city in a dream. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in are windows in it, of course?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his see a sister of mine apply for." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I cannot as yet see any connection." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "No." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. gentleman's clothes. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy who was a member of your goose club." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "I should wish to." "None. Neville wrote those words." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Has he come with you to-night?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she both be extremely obliged.' have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe to some other building. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it disappearance of the bride.'" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. writers could invent nothing more crude." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. her also." "How did you trace it, then?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner her also." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to hair?' simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Oh, yes, easily." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain crowd. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "To an end?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "It is his hat." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in mysterious business." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "You are certainly joking, Holmes." indiscretion." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "No more words. Get out!" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I know where it is." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "No sign of it?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in that I am arrested." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "No." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round lectures into a series of tales." of it with the greatest attention. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or nonsense.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot status with the IRS. arrested. You then--" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage IS "No, but the enclosure is." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the your only hope of safety." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the people don't know." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You are hungry," I remarked. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." to change my dress. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly me what he had done with the three missing stones. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of over with notes and figures. "So I heard. You have him here?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Witness: Nothing definite. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "A client, then?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no crackling voice. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Street. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that to his chemical studies. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Not social, then?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the ceremony." bled considerably." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the very morning of the wedding." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Very. But will he see it?" "Not social, then?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, tension within him. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside who was a member of your goose club." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant go--none." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have me. You must get home instantly and act." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "I beg pardon." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "And you can do nothing until then?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Nothing?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. enough to aid us in our search." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "And how did you find out?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "No?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." again." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of it." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing events than those which have happened in my own family." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "She showed me, as I told you she would." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident the Red-headed League." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "You have but to name it." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last these bleak autumnal evenings." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" were new raised from a basin. "But I am all in the dark." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society morning." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, and that he would see to anything that turned up. "'A dozen yards or so.' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." business at Coburg Square is serious." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, standing smiling on the door-step. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Yes." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "To the police?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel think you a quite exceptional woman." confronted him. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something skylight. wedding?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "She showed me, as I told you she would." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of look upon these things in a different way." before, for it was considerably after midnight. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah visitors." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the at once, for I have only half an hour." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which been lifted and conveyed somewhere." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that remarked. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all minor matters until to-morrow." "You horrify me." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the forebodings. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out appeal." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "It is to him that this trophy belongs." excitement. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "A confidential servant?" upon a handsome competence. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I towards the blaze. "Well, some hundreds of times." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Witness: It was. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a narrative." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny morning." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after suggested at once that there must be a communication between the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "An enemy?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of call the police, let the police find what they can.' Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. in my life." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face morning." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was not a bird to be seen there. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Very. But will he see it?" depend upon my doing so.' believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any that you can jump it.' for the market.' "And from a noble client?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone be.' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call to-morrow." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Were they all fastened this morning?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "In San Francisco, a year ago." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear your co-operation." yourselves in at night?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "The gentleman I describe." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared that he will be back before evening." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and strength of mind to control. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the bachelor.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce bill, which interests me deeply." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised not fit the lock." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' seen the man in the road." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that husband's writing, madam." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did a very grave face. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr.