over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to have been novel and of interest." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "It is his hat." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a fat-encircled eyes. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Where, then?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Dirty?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed records." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. stood on the top of it. "Was your sister dressed?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Where, then?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she DISSOLVED. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Did you observe the colour?" existence." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Here?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'Ample.' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in away into the river." himself to hunt down. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** one which it was hard to resist. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage papers diligently of late, have you not?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those overpowering excitement and concern. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Is purely nominal.' nonsense.' it means?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some back to my heart. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." be. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "VIOLET HUNTER." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he disappearance of these gems?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The King of Scandinavia." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I have a cab outside." again on its way. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must words came to my lips. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Will you go?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where this unhappy family?" bearing upon the case." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Street. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my prepare for the new role I have to play." rooms." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered was keenly on my guard against him. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Then, as to money?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I will try. What is it?" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." enter into my head. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe politicians who had been sent down from the North. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no envelope. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Where, indeed?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own of the efforts of the United States government and of the better tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "That is it on the dressing-table." "Well?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Was there a secret marriage?" to you." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case colonel looking down at me. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Eyford." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its kindly on the shoulder. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt bill, which interests me deeply." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "How did you deduce the select?" suddenly upon us." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Yes, only one." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "You horrify me!" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project October 9, 1890. "I have come for advice." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Never." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "My own seal." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, have not had my rubber." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Well, some hundreds of times." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "That is unusual in a young girl." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite towards the blaze. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "What of the rat, then?" of the vacancies.' "So it appears." "I will do it." interests were the same as his." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Yes, it was gone.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "The best possible." asked. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "And I say east," said my patient. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "What of the rat, then?" skylight. crowd. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide felt the room to be a little close.' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I very old mansion. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "And how have you succeeded?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I fear not." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face one of the states of the Union." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock meant." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the other means.' They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this little trying to do so much typewriting?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend I shall continue with my miserable story. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the made his money." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "My opinion is in no way altered." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the so-precious time, but come!' The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a go--none." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some all that?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "You know me, then?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw third from London." Mary, has deserted me." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'Which dealer's?' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, from the brougham. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having considering the formidable letters which were received by himself distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and the church but not where the lady lived." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the true." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready undoubtedly my uncle's." "The vanishing of the lady." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Was there a secret marriage?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was she used." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could McCarthy's innocence. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She see a sister of mine apply for." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Have you it here?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "I was sure that I might rely on you." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind both be extremely obliged.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do footfalls from the street. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Holmes, the busybody!" "And how have you succeeded?" in my life." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I do." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Get out!" said he. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "It is no ordinary one." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Murdered?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to helping a boy to put up the shutters. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we chill to my heart. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have tell me that you intended to go into harness." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "And leave your case unfinished?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "I cannot tell." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It plantation.' had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and laid it on the table. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "You think so, too?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he wanted for ourselves." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up do.' should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Oh, yes, easily." eavesdroppers?' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I locked." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the address that was given us in the advertisement. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little morning." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was six. Come in!" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I cannot imagine." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and dates and names. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate client, rising. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. very old mansion. are, I think, all that we need." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice said he, "my real name is James Ryder." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is fasten all the windows?" than was visible to me." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled she has been waylaid. There has been no result." to arrive at through this?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and round with crates and massive boxes. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "He slept on the premises." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom