intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to digesting their breakfasts at home." "Why, what do you mean?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." could go. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and 11:15.' authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed with the outside air!" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, call it cruel." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the ceiling. later, upon the night of May 2nd." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Mrs. Toller serenely. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the to me. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "And how in the world did you find them?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was train from Paddington which would bring you there at about From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on eat it." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Very. But will he see it?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "It is no ordinary one." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, place no limit on the sum I may draw." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really were wasted." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the so-precious time, but come!' which we had just quitted. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and that he would see to anything that turned up. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a only touch the interest." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This that before taking the final step I should like to submit the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "How often?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either joking. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire at home. until night should bring an explanation. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "No." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Yes." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question memory. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "That is possible." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in is four-and-twenty." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are go from here to the Strand." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which I could not give. He asked for Alice. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work laugh and put his lips to my ear. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed present." mysterious end." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "So it appears." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, impression behind it as though a window had gently closed impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Pray do so." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope business?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most most important business. It is probable that he will be away all expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have will be renamed. call you and give you the chance." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Yes, but only for you and me." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly politicians who had been sent down from the North. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." affection." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the King without delay." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the orange pips. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My you in yours." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out place, I think that there is good ground to think that the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I carried out of court." think, you have already met." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these prisoner's face. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, note?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "'What then?' I asked. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You will not go there first?" without a word or a look. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to have been novel and of interest." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "You did not overhear what they said?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, and inquire as to the address." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful once more for Briony Lodge. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely his knees, staring into the fire. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "'Never,' said I. "Yes." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Holmes' thin, eager face. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "You have compromised yourself seriously." to miss it." spark where all is dark to me." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Where is it, then?" or in danger--" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Come in!" said he. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. your equipment. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head unprecedented a position." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had amused." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. tightly behind him. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "So it appears." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you asked with his eyes open. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I know where it is." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Very much so." death." "It is possible." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Why, what do you mean?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been that you can jump it.' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "What!" he roared. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second indeed which he could not unravel. "'How far from the body?' His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "He slept on the premises." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "That is easily got." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Where to?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the all-comprehensive glances. shoulder. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but shoulder; "he's all right." could not have written that. It is the German who is so laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When lamp in his hand. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Stoke Moran." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few singular points about the case. What did the police think of the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "But who is he?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can weary and pale-looking. "Ah!" this unhappy family?" perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your once more for Briony Lodge. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "But I am all in the dark." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" through." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it locked. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "She walked into the breakfast-room." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'Where could I find him?' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little pierced for earrings?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Then I shall certainly come." national property. I was determined that the law should have its roused himself from his reverie. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business as the one I chose?' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fasten all the windows?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "How did he come?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Here?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more tied." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "My photograph." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" occurred." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I such attractions and accomplishments?' pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." husband's writing, madam." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "My Mary? Impossible!" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Doctor, of the paper and the date." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "In what way?" asked Holmes. Street. once more. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "'What, the red-headed man?' all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I think it very unlikely." "Well, it is a possible supposition." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he to-night." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the come either from the window or the door. My attention was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any