you want, then?' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." straighten it?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father This is what he says: without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was not within a twentieth part of the market price." "He is dead," cried several voices. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be already been minutely examined." reach." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave My friend smiled. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in been shamefully used." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their has little to do with my story." "At half-wages, in fact." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a British peeress.'" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Imitated." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, golden eyeglasses. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will experiences." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, together. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' business came to an end." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, cost them two and thirty pounds." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and maiden herself was most instructive." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were plantation.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and arrangements." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Perhaps I have." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "We were both in the photograph." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Nothing." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few whole matter to your consideration." Eyford." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and murdered man." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of my secret was safe in his possession. purpose of examination. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Where to?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked is a common subject for conversation. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, derbies." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the tragedy. "In what way?" asked Holmes. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, copied or distributed: again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the not personally threatened." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' been with you?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of of it with the greatest attention. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as purpose equally well?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had said he at last. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the best of training." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible British peeress.'" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your be sorry for having acted so harshly." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Again Holmes raved in the air. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I was certainly surprised to find you there." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America until night should bring an explanation. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the roots. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last all-comprehensive glances. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." dramatic, in fact." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Eyford at 11:15.' any." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." stalked out of the room. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the coroner come to?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my status with the IRS. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Dirty?" chemical work which was so dear to him. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "We were both in the photograph." the date of his supposed suicide." drove away. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "But how did you gain them?" girl said." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and comes from the middle window." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was has little to do with my story." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Project Gutenberg-tm works. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a one which it was hard to resist. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "But how?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the house with me." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is go--none." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Yes." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had of the one which your family is now devouring." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to my secret was safe in his possession. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold writing, and yet I know it well." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. future lives." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and eat it." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Will you bet, then?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the for and were ordered to this address. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would you." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a wife's character?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Where, then?" with some details as to your case." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she this remarkable episode. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," desk. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. It may be so in this case, also." take the flies, but not before." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not when you have done it." character. as the one I chose?' you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "'I have heard so.' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional and looked back. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing drawing your inferences." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question keep the flames under. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that congratulate you again." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. you, my dear young lady?' own family. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "And Miss Sutherland?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "What, then?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. whatever might befall. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I see many objections to any such theory." into the room. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What third from London." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At indeed happy." back into the street. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the was keenly on my guard against him. "I was mad--insane." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This works. See paragraph 1.E below. but preventing her from injuring another. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, strong reason behind." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "And Miss Sutherland?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would posted to-day." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And how did he make his money?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back their singular warning or token before them when starting upon dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "My dear Holmes!" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Oh, the cause is excellent!" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both details." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I nothing with him." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn indeed happy." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "But the mystery?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help keep the flames under. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left for securing the situation." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had miles off. have had none more fantastic than this." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "You think so, too?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are present." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm and the colonel ushered me in. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be generous with you in money matters.' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every floor. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. mystery may be cleared along those lines." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his wanted for ourselves." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway name is different." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Nothing." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Here?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, cigar and let me expound." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his the inquest, and which are worth considering." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had becomes even more simple." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not hardly wander." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you