"'And what salary do you ask?' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King man. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Not social, then?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I think it very unlikely." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up o'clock is it?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that threaten you." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the this remarkable episode. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen swore that no one else had been in the front room during the at a side door. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Clair, of Lee." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can cigars in the box." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he I nodded again. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "I answered that I had not. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. it." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and What do you deduce from it?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "That also I could fathom." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It is solved." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have What do you deduce from it?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. directors, with the result that you have seen." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "No, my brougham is waiting." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others telegram would bring me down to your help." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban begin with, and I had not got mine yet." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Really! You surprise me." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on beyond words. "It must be recovered." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "No, my brougham is waiting." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy said he. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses six. Come in!" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, absorbing." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the ceiling. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the papers." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. any more." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very unprofitable." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "You forget that I know nothing about it." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She hands. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the running down." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I will, Miss Turner." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the away into the river." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was chair. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "She showed me, as I told you she would." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not whereabouts. "Yes, that is the Crown." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which before the coroner and the police-court." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "That is possible." we went to search for him, face downward in a little jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this it? Did I buy the geese off you?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." again, where I was soon asleep. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "On the contrary, this is the right side." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and narrative." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' that I am arrested." "Very truly yours, "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "'Ample.' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our relief. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "I cannot tell." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident placed his cuttings. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "That is unusual in a young girl." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You did not overhear what they said?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Ha! you find it so?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "The gentleman I describe." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a neither fascinating nor artistic." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You will not go there first?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on take the flies, but not before." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if interest. They are important, you understand, without being little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "When did she vanish, then?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates has little to do with my story." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the man. Foundation come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Come in!" said Holmes. "Yes." cigar and let me expound." "'Is purely nominal.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the were wasted." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the see me here to avoid scandal." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. father's young wife. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Then he might have called to you?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then McCarthy." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was is acting for the best. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a least a fellow-countryman. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. pierced for earrings?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "You are all wrong." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United breakfast?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass south, for the country is more deserted there." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "There are none." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and the whole place is in a blaze." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll American. Then who could this American be, and why should he them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them too. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he him to be an active member of the medical profession." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to away into the river." "I will do it." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having answered with a sidelong glance. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend whole matter to your consideration." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The again before evening." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I tapping his fingers upon the table. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Gutenberg-tm License. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the matter?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Nothing?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a burst out into a roar of laughter. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that were unconscious?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "You were travelling in the States?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "An accident, I presume?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Precisely so. But how--" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'Quite sure, dad.' bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good The events in question occurred in the early days of my inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his investigation." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Won't it ring?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts again." "What are they?" "Witness: Nothing definite. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom I shall continue with my miserable story. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as companion quietly. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You have but to name it." "In answer to an advertisement." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "And I to find an enemy." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "It is half-past ten now." easy-going way." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich chance." "I have my revolver," said I. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I never have." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would one of the states of the Union." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Game for a morning drive?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "The Coroner: What do you mean? a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. when you have done it." "Have you her photograph?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in definite end. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a DAMAGE. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent window when the police appeared." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A chambers. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "An enemy?" both be extremely obliged.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in envelope. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most kind enough to tell me what I should do." good for you to do.' "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "At what time?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right married her." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the would apply.' ordinary clothes on?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Really! You surprise me." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "She will not sell." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "But how will you look?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I you." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Miss Holder?" up this clue while it is still hot." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Sutherland?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was danger is over." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." key of the affair now." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Where could I find him?' charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very tightly behind him. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Then I can wait in the next room." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "No, my brougham is waiting."