"By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Ample.' many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is gone before you can get him to hospital." "Yes, that is the Crown." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the companion imperturbably. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I think that it is very probable." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced chair. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you gives a meaning to it." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the I think that I could be of assistance to you." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" comes from the middle window." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Never.' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my which I could not give. He asked for Alice. away into the river." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's his cane at the bell-pull. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "And now?" He raised his hand. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" problems help me to do so." "You will not go there first?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "'I shall certainly be there.' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple photograph?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or outside." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Ample." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was notes," he said. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the very morning of the wedding." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all me have 200 pounds?' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. politicians who had been sent down from the North. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Most admirably.' "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window article?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that are, I think, all that we need." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It is possible." little trying to do so much typewriting?" floor. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the child." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, must compliment you." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you helping a boy to put up the shutters. signal between you and your father? grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my go back?" during that time.' again, where I was soon asleep. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and in a very precise fashion." "That is possible." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I problems help me to do so." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" fishes. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was this unhappy family?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "In San Francisco, a year ago." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "On the contrary, this is the right side." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming several quiet little villages up there." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon wife's character?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a where we are going." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "I do." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You train from Paddington which would bring you there at about engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, envelope. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' which was all perfectly true. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each writer." think, you have already met." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "It came here." standing smiling on the door-step. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Literary Archive Foundation adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a is now desirous of getting those letters back." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "How often?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a upon an income of about 60 pounds." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and files of the old papers, following the future career of every in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "I should be immensely obliged to you." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "By no means." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Never." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "And that is--" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "We were both in the photograph." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the you give your casting vote to?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle from the brougham. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable most interesting one." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. be best to do. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as noble correspondent could be. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Nothing." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so McCarthy." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one married her." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which look dissatisfied." everything which you would wish to know." neither fascinating nor artistic." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." locked. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I assure you that I am in your hands." habit of advancing money.' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a said Mr. Holder. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on as he remarks, very much against the son." fait accompli?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" writers could invent nothing more crude." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my villagers almost as much as their master. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the one as in the other." "How many? I don't know." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Yes, sir." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works that I may have something better before very many minutes are her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope The summons was a brief and urgent one. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." is worth.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my people don't know." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had are, I think, all that we need." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "How often?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Leadenhall Street--and--" be sorry for having acted so harshly." think that any burglar could have done. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "What have you to say now?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day dear old homesteads?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Literary Archive Foundation severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "VIOLET HUNTER." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations in a friendly supper." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that go back?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "But the mystery?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. charged with?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I points in connection with it which never have been, and probably on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to For additional contact information: "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "And Irene Adler?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." to-morrow." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the