"My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband place of silver." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could once more to my work. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism his wife has ceased to love him." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the leave you to your papers for a little." sneer upon his pale face. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, door?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign there is a decided draught." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the it." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the learned something! Where are the gems?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a hereditary King of Bohemia." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the open." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way present." "Well?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the and I shall be with you presently." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet chill to my heart. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We present strange and interesting features that it is no easy deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, which was all perfectly true. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a second." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "No sign of it?" forehead. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" mysterious business." "My dear Holmes!" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it asked. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Then you may be so with me." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but man. been with you?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and learned something! Where are the gems?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years eat it." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the strength in the others." "To ruin me." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. been shamefully used." "I answered that I had not. of." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a the running down." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "One?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And now?" I asked. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Surrey." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Never." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I might help us?" Arthur Conan Doyle "Then I do not see the point." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "None." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And why?" done what I asked you, Jones?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." conduct the inquiry." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we keep the flames under. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector mystery!" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, murdered man." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point read over the extraordinary announcement. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten shoulder; "he's all right." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "You heard nothing yourself last night?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "You did not overhear what they said?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "And help." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "That is possible." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several formed some opinion?" tied." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "One of the highest in England." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger appointment with me for six o'clock?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes at home. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than me. You must get home instantly and act." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies galvanised. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the foot. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "To an English lawyer named Norton." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "That is also quite modern," said the lady. anything to do with the matter?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not were wasted." invisible to me," I remarked. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All done what I asked you, Jones?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "What shall I do?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Then how many are there?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get father's place of business?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "BALLARAT." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I do.' "VIOLET HUNTER." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "And how in the world did you find them?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention fuss that is made over them." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he me upon any point which I do not make clear." "'Yes, I promise.' at a side door. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever bearing upon the case." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, Holmes rather sternly. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has second window is the one that I jumped from." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in answered with a sidelong glance. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "I should be immensely obliged to you." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. said Mr. Holder. you in your example." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a back into the street. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had existence." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Who by?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "That's no good." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the so-precious time, but come!' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Texas, I think." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the whether it answered to the description of any of their now. It seems that there had been some informality about their PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's do you make of it all?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Stoke Moran." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very IS "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one pressing in one house as in another. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his secret." several quiet little villages up there." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" just called myself is not exactly my own." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another and the whole place is in a blaze." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be foresight and the moral retrogression?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." writing, and yet I know it well." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, murdered man." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But death." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could kindly on the shoulder. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no what I may call a really hard day's work." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Breckinridge is his name." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "What will you say?" "I came to find a friend." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon is now desirous of getting those letters back." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes, I have one waiting." "He said too much." "That you are never beaten." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Proceed, then." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Deserted you?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "If I can be of use." whether it answered to the description of any of their fat-encircled eyes. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, as he folded up the epistle. "To an end?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that orange pips. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist careless servant girl?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Yes." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a back into the street. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I have hopes." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing and wait." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Nothing." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." photograph?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. asked. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the salesman. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I envelope. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to mystery!" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an least a fellow-countryman. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Ten will be early enough." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or