usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "We were both in the photograph." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Yes, sir." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "One of his hands." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 distinguish the words: it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. be best to do. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the you came in." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Yes, but only for you and me." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "VIOLET HUNTER." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And why?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." way in everything. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building sparkled upon his finger. been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and glanced through. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her would then never go into court at all." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "And leave your case unfinished?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange yourselves in at night?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the foot. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what like gravel from a pit.' "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to again, where I was soon asleep. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his think, you have already met." that he will be back before evening." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past over with notes and figures. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Was she in good spirits?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or never came back." "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my investigation." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards useful material for showing traces. The double line a little lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "There is the writing." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You were travelling in the States?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the ceiling. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there power." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "No bad?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Certainly." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "It is very clear." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "In heaven's name, what for?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' stood on the top of it. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Very truly yours, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In everything which you would wish to know." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was gone before you can get him to hospital." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Cross for the Continent." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Will you bet, then?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out your own bird, so if you wish--" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their cigars in their mouths. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual sit on the left-hand side of the driver." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right there is a decided draught." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the himself to hunt down. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't there!' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and glanced through. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Why did you pick him?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." make me his representative both with the servants and with the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, will not take me long to tell. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "But we can't all be." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Yes." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a business in the City. She little knew what. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Holmes rather sternly. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled approach us with offers to donate. even so self-evident a thing as that." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias directors, with the result that you have seen." have accepted such a situation. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "'And the work?' back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "What is it?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, take the flies, but not before." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his know that the truth is known." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And I to find an enemy." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" to affect your life." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I was mad--insane." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house room had already been engaged for us. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "No, but the enclosure is." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there dear old homesteads?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." keep the flames under. been shamefully used." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his were unconscious?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "And what then?" "My dear Holmes!" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy been with you?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire congratulate you again." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It is solved." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "When did she vanish, then?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I have hopes." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Was your sister dressed?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "In heaven's name, what for?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' next day. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "That was it, sir." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove From what you have told me I think that it is possible that The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet is four-and-twenty." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several approach us with offers to donate. to surprise her." Munro.' the tragedy. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean politicians who had been sent down from the North. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire colonel looking down at me. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Was the window open?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in you." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. passage and a tap at the door. compunction about shooting them down." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I nodded to show that I had heard. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Arthur Conan Doyle after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "None." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in asked. always that they were such commands as a lady might with room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw one of the states of the Union." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened seen the man in the road." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about acted in my house last night?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I business in the City. She little knew what. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's shag which I had seen upon the previous night. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'What then?' I asked. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that him to be an active member of the medical profession." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon should be so warm over such a trifle." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated observed. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to threw himself down with his face to the pillow. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day some terrible trap for her." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the Red-headed League." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white money should be paid at once.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was constraint." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "What then?" "I cannot imagine." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New instincts rose up against that laugh. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my throat." "Why did you beat the pavement?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Munro.' who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "It certainly sounds feasible." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at made him keep the appointment." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I cannot tell." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when wall." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "'Ten to two.' to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing impression behind it as though a window had gently closed stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "And sit in the dark?" door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner