even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them him nearly every evening." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to quick march!" colonel looking down at me. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, is four-and-twenty." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, throat." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it that he will be back before evening." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "I have hopes." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to girl said." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Clair, of Lee." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, will take you up to see the machine.' lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue be sorry for having acted so harshly." were wasted." narrative." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Very. But will he see it?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb bare slabs of marble. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that round with crates and massive boxes. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "At the wedding breakfast." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable upon a handsome competence. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular true." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "What shall I do?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." despaired of." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. business?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive there were one or two details which were new to me. But the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I soul! here is her carriage at the door." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' The King stared at him in amazement. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that gigantic client. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question case before our client came into the room." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "He said that you could solve anything." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to a light-house. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar with you alone." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "What, then?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken said I. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, bonnet, and went out." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I am armed." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him train from Paddington which would bring you there at about are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and note?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "What have you to say now?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the stones. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Pray let us have it, for all that." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said not, dad?" she asked. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near address. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the ceiling. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "I do." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "'What then?' I asked. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another laugh and put his lips to my ear. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "They are typewritten," I remarked. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'Is purely nominal.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a girl said." acted in my house last night?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I shall be delighted." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Was your sister dressed?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "And for present expenses?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." that you saw all that I did." constraint." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice as he remarks, very much against the son." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "It was." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would allusion to a rat. experiences." "'Ten to two.' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a in the port of London." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your experiences." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Well, but China?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in bedroom door." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." prepare for the new role I have to play." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I was afraid that you were engaged." works. See paragraph 1.E below. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." himself to tell his story. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. that?' time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "What steps will you take?" I asked. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little joking. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George and effective." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! girl said." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, soul! here is her carriage at the door." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my him to be an active member of the medical profession." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged fuss that is made over them." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband written. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the best of training." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" young Openshaw's." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "You have carte blanche." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Then he might have called to you?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not your room." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I have come for advice." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "No." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Perhaps we may make them less so." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among at a side door. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed one else, I think." the ceiling. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "What office?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed that I am arrested." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at and no precautions can guard against." fattened it expressly for you.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "No good news?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the his grey eyes. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "And Irene Adler?" you." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And who is her maid?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and extraordinary contortions. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and roused himself from his reverie. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the crime. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards dramatic, in fact." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I have solved it." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An chair. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said think, you have already met." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Foundation "My opinion is in no way altered." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "What is it?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; murdered man." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "ARAT," I read. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the in the dead of the night?' case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with ordinary clothes on?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just when you have done it." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., late." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present than to us. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small flock.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Which dealer's?' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. States. brain must have something in it." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," quickly through a disagreeable task. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Did you observe the colour?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. over part of the map. "What do you read?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily my secret was safe in his possession. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card late." how narrow had been my escape. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "What, then, did Peterson do?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about pressing in one house as in another. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Her father is very rich?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Well, some hundreds of times." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you of this gang." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "But you have hopes?" "'Yes, it was gone.' and put his glass in his pocket. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "I came to find a friend." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "How long did she speak to this Alice?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal you, my dear young lady?' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more them?" that I can to serve you." to surprise her." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable carriage. It was a chestnut." seven miles from Eyford Station.' constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No, I think that I'll take it." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near