a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), to tackle the facts." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there unprecedented a position." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man we went to search for him, face downward in a little http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled started for the Temple to see my husband. helping a boy to put up the shutters. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn fishes. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such III. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he arrested. You then--" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Literary Archive Foundation anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the him and tried to hold him back. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "On Monday." "Not in the least." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Yes." "Who by?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of taking in every detail of the apartment. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "And what did you learn from him?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself locked. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the least a most suspicious remark." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some crowd. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only hand, madam?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "He said that you could solve anything." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot in this note: through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not congenial hunt. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Imitated." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "My dear Holmes!" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the ourselves in the office." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Very truly yours, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." of your young ladies.' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." go from here to the Strand." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It begun to whiten, even as mine has." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently eat it." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read directors, with the result that you have seen." round with crates and massive boxes. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a 11:15.' Holmes' room. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "How did he come?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Gutenberg-tm License. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely as yours." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, weary and pale-looking. "How about poison?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the interests were the same as his." "I beg pardon." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "That is easily got." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Foundation "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. murdered man." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Were they all fastened this morning?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I should like to see him very much." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or bearing upon the case." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You through." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "If so, much may have happened between." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "My dear Holmes!" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "What steps will you take?" I asked. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have learned something! Where are the gems?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." in darkness. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to occurred." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." to that open window." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it less than 26s. 4d. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Doctor, of the paper and the date." redistribution. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a is a common subject for conversation. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which our visitor detailed to us. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and quite distinctive." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began pierced for earrings?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Gutenberg-tm License. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And I to find an enemy." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It You can understand that this register and diary may implicate handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "He disappeared so suddenly." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged secret." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Precisely so. But how--" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to-night?' than was visible to me." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to arrested. You then--" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my strange features which were associated with the two crimes which least a most suspicious remark." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in late!' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his made his money." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the seven miles from Eyford Station.' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For what these perils are?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What is it, then--a fire?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'It is locked up,' I answered. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin conclusions. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do useful material for showing traces. The double line a little purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Leadenhall Street--and--" your troubles." "Ten will be early enough." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "How did that help you?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Yes." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "No good news?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "What then?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "BALLARAT." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker My friend smiled. developed." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. strength of mind to control. that I can to serve you." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Nothing." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "No good news?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of what do you think they found in the pockets?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to Leatherhead. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought past. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "Yes, it was twisted." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace at my remark. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found dates and names. him." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he occupations.' "The best possible." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "The knees of his trousers." "Why? What do you mean?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. strength in the others." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at for its centre. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "But of what society?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Oh, fresh and glossy." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "From his hat?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and could not account in any way for the presence of the missing be sorry for having acted so harshly." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "One of his hands." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," any." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and unprecedented a position." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, and the whole place is in a blaze." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "And did you observe any change in her then?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no this poor creature." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is conceal it?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes II. "Thank you. And your address?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily showing my impatience. business matters.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' through." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual McCarthy." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I as noiselessly as she had come. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking events than those which have happened in my own family." "What do you make of that, Watson?" redistribution. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "It is no ordinary one." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I entirely lost his self-respect." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the nonsense.' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my as yours." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "What then?"