they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I have my revolver," said I. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to ready to-morrow?' populous neighbourhood." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his without a word or a look. "But I have heard all that you have heard." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "None." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'There is a drive, then?' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." mysterious business." weighed down with some great anxiety. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to is a common subject for conversation. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "How are you getting on?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master respectable self." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I arrested. You then--" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a salesman. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and other lovers by making love himself." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I again before evening." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in hurried by. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Yes, only one." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat child?' in his hands." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "No legal papers or certificates?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit of this gang." arrangements." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his highly," said Holmes. situation." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith you want, then?' way in everything. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "None." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to his chemical studies. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' round and wave him away like that.' see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to During two years I have had three consultations and one small deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so to have that photograph." never to learn it at all." "I am to be neutral?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly man. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "You think that he is dead?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a flock.' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue your most interesting statement." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I will do it." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Is he quiet?" "But how?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns husband's writing, madam." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little asked. with you?" answer." would apply.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, becomes even more simple." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, appeared upon the scene." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards papers." you?' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I comes from the middle window." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a is a common subject for conversation. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by wedding?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets habit of advancing money.' room?" "Certainly." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on respectable self." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." some terrible trap for her." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Yes." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" she used." which we had just quitted. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father dear old homesteads?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, shaken than I had ever seen him. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings what I may call a really hard day's work." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found companion imperturbably. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major presented more singular features than that which was associated against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "This concluded the examination of the witness." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for 11:15.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Where does the thing come from?' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the crime. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "You have the photograph?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very even so self-evident a thing as that." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You think that he is dead?" side. conclusions. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "His face fell immediately. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Your sister is dead, then?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" within hail.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "It is a murder, then?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it young Openshaw's." bird of prey. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'Certainly,' I answered. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring lost his Christmas dinner." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "How did he come?" guilty parties." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "It surprised me." "Not I." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was not a bird to be seen there. "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our excitement. union?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the was feeling which was the fattest.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Pray continue your narrative." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in opportunities to fix the problem. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been in him." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a used to be." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. happened." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. tapping his fingers upon the table. to Leatherhead. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'Yes.' individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure bachelor.' always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the forebodings. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. habit of advancing money.' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to him to go away.' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom all that?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote danger is over." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I should be immensely obliged to you." have been better. It is all right." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the matter over." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'Never,' said I. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." went to the Alpha were town bred." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "My dear Holmes!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "What! Had he lost his wife?" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been least a most suspicious remark." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Yes?" harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I am armed." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "It was a confession," I ejaculated. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." suspect him." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of disappearance of these gems?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the me. You must get home instantly and act." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, place no limit on the sum I may draw." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was not a bird to be seen there. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, you in yours." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very this man was intellectual?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of third from London." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Thank you. And your address?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was companion imperturbably. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment that he will be back before evening." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the notes," he said. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "The vanishing of the lady." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Yes, there are nearly always some there." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Witness: Nothing definite. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I