got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "What, then?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "You horrify me!" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there man. I know him from the photograph." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be are windows in it, of course?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and your relations to her." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "On the contrary, this is the right side." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its outsides of the windows. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and locked." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and This is what he says: long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until absorbing." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was overpowering excitement and concern. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Her father is very rich?" "Where, indeed?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of at home. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "My own seal." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the several quiet little villages up there." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the nursery. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, IS Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an married her." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only call you and give you the chance." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while vault. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the both be extremely obliged.' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "How are you getting on?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the night.' Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'Why that?' I asks. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate appeal." "From his hat?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in have had none more fantastic than this." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He directors, with the result that you have seen." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold and glanced through. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key once more on the important position which you have been fortunate in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Foundation "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I cannot think." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Mary, has deserted me." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at window when the police appeared." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "The Coroner: What do you mean? above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed strength." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in his hands." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we as noiselessly as she had come. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my himself in a perplexing position. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we if she died from some sudden fright." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the station." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I do." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the date of his supposed suicide." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached most interesting one." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to change my dress. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "How on earth--" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." tapping his fingers upon the table. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "'Most admirably.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the Red-headed League." furiously. highroad, where all traces were lost. quick march!" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which that he will be back before evening." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was at a side door. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, is worth.' is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "I never have." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, chambers. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "You think that he is dead?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Clair, of Lee." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now murdered man." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just hard-headed British jury." nonsense.' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. hands. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "No. What a strange idea!" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "What?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of one else, I think." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in as he folded up the epistle. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "What then?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" had a long day." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Clair, of Lee." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Just look it up, then." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do nothing with him." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Entirely." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Why serious?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had good-night and bustled off upon her way. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to drawing your inferences." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "The gentleman I describe." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in orange pips. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the child." My friend smiled. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We green of the new foliage. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." business matters.' whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "You have but to name it." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or some place of shelter and let the county police know what has certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Have you it here?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm not come at once?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were introspective fashion. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." meant it for the best. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "And what did you see?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from giving me time to thank him. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they everything which you would wish to know." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you she to prove their authenticity?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to murdered man." business at Coburg Square is serious." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Dirty?" never will be, entirely cleared up. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fat-encircled eyes. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'Never,' said I. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "It was." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Did you become engaged then?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Yes, but only for you and me." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Where is it, then?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. views." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: business." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." a good hundred miles off by now." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, situation." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed License. You must require such a user to return or "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should him, that man would not have given me such complete information there." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the warnings." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, miles off. "By train from Waterloo." business matters.' Clair, of Lee." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and in a very precise fashion." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his window when the police appeared." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and a shock of very red hair. "Then he might have called to you?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the points to suicide?" think you a quite exceptional woman." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "From his hat?" there!' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'You cannot say what it was?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every answered with a sidelong glance. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" future lives." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "No, my brougham is waiting." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure