and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "The murder was done with it." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the address that was given us in the advertisement. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Yes, they were peculiar boots." could gather together that I was able to avert another public wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Yes, the wine-cellar." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, 11:15.' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a fear." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of there was no need for father to know." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss at my remark. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of mysterious business." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from with her." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by our word." matter over." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ is entirely a question of barometric pressure." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "And how in the world did you find them?" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no make me his representative both with the servants and with the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "My last client of the sort was a king." did not hear it also.' gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of dear old homesteads?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Has he come with you to-night?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and my friend's incisive reasoning. and the church but not where the lady lived." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' it." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small away into the river." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs IS office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fashion which was peculiar to him. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense along the entire front of the house, with three long windows than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told are, I think, all that we need." works. one else, I think." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted excitement. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton absolutely follow my advice in every respect." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "At half-wages, in fact." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs room had already been engaged for us. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "That is possible." "My dear Holmes!" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," one or two very singular points about this room. For example, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had said he. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It village inn over there?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all status with the IRS. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Her father is very rich?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Ten will be early enough." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into his face which made him a very different person to the round, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "No." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, eavesdroppers?' "He disappeared so suddenly." think you a quite exceptional woman." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the charged with?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, dead, shall be safe with us." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't and have this put in the evening papers." your own bird, so if you wish--" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility wedding?" furiously. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies himself to hunt down. "But not more so than I to find you." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, written. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him were wasted." "Seven!" I answered. as noiselessly as she had come. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the go back?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." green of the new foliage. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced key of the affair now." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so what is your own theory as to what took place?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his presented more singular features than that which was associated wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Proceed, then." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I fear not." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other experiences." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I came to find a friend." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I was concerned in it." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "None." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off province." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the date of his supposed suicide." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Doctor, of the paper and the date." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the interests were the same as his." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one later, upon the night of May 2nd." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I see many objections to any such theory." for and were ordered to this address. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as written, and locked the door of the office after me. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled she used." my former friend and companion. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over noting anything else of interest. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I assure you that I am in your hands." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'I am sure that I do not know.' came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys was once confined in the cab my mission was practically state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Of Friday, June 19th." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to DAMAGE. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I society." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he too. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." carriage. It was a chestnut." "Pray continue your narrative." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that the gas is not laid on in his house?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Why? What do you mean?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in matter." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of garden below. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's second window is the one that I jumped from." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, fattened it expressly for you.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out leave you to your papers for a little." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. chance at all." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." 'please.'" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens my friend's incisive reasoning. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "It is no ordinary one." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without I held the little printed slip to the light. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "No, I am descending." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm evidence," I remarked. in this note: simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens ceremony." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with as he remarks, very much against the son." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features quick march!" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Yes, from Horsham." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' crowd. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it it with his own hands." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Stoke Moran." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Most admirably.' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said fear." "You have compromised yourself seriously." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, that colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "You know me, then?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich o'clock is it?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in upon the sideboard." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "We have tried and failed." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the washing it down with a long draught of water. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from IS "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers which our visitor detailed to us. License. You must require such a user to return or his eyes and forehead. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "What then?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "What!" he roared. my former friend and companion.