occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much might have a private word with us. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' shall use the carriage to-night." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the matter." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an posted to-day." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round outside. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "And I say east," said my patient. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the window, rose as we entered. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies never to learn it at all." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "And your father? Did you tell him?" "She told me to ask you." "'And the work?' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." your co-operation." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a never to learn it at all." bonnet, and went out." felt?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "No legal papers or certificates?" little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "What can you not understand?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It looks newer than the other things?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "What office?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'How far from the body?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his bonnet, and went out." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, them?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it soul! here is her carriage at the door." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "But not more so than I to find you." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet ago." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable cigar and let me expound." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I am all attention, madam." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant your Highness to the police-station?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "What of the rat, then?" are, and they are waiting for us." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal gone. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his stalked out of the room. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "What will you do, then?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight against a man in the prime of life?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up woman." "That also I could fathom." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Count Von Kramm." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Married! When?" "'As governess?' voice. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I will not look." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Then the page we have seen--" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "And you thought he was pulled back?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness fait accompli?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted light and attacked it." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Nothing." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "I was sure that I might rely on you." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more held up the lantern and gazed about him. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "That you are never beaten." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an footfalls from the street. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much few hundred pounds.' such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and other means.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the in this way: from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the house with me." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "It was." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and I shall be with you presently." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United one of them." questionable one." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the room while you explain this matter?" "That is unusual in a young girl." key turn in the lock." late." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, night.' said he. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded depend upon your compliance." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing in this note: address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" his face. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a During two years I have had three consultations and one small refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "What can it mean?" I gasped. Project Gutenberg-tm works. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and a little more before I quite committed myself. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "So it appears." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and putting in the horse. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to have been novel and of interest." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to your sleep?' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of them has the shutters up.' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few it means?" persecution?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the driver. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "And your mother is alive?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "But I have heard all that you have heard." back alive. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "How many? I don't know." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one official police." "'Which dealer's?' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "And now?" I asked. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you completely overtopped every other consideration that we both tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Yes, certainly." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. better in every way that they should make their position a little near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of it with the greatest attention. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a without a word or a look. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall colour had been driven from his face. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, lost nothing by them." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The lamp. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my you, my dear young lady?' Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and handed it to him. "'You cannot say what it was?' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must fishes. "Not in a good cause." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you breakfast?" III. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You have the photograph?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project that you can jump it.' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. congenial hunt. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "What then?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "What have you to say now?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Not him." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fishes. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of tear off another piece?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "At what time?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "And why in hopes?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and effective." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far all that?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness following enigmatical notices: have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he note?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Where to?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "And that is--" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years beg that you will break it off." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "And sit in the dark?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Not in a good cause." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." one of the states of the Union." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as never to learn it at all." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Absolutely?" forehead. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "'I am sure if I had known--' the driver. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "How did he come?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." new acquaintance to Baker Street. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I three of the beryls in it, was missing. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You have it, sir, just as it happened." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second The events in question occurred in the early days of my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was