"'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the call the police, let the police find what they can.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we results." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "It was an hour's good drive." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And sit in the dark?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What will you say?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "It is possible." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate there is a decided draught." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. him, that man would not have given me such complete information unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." one of the states of the Union." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a happened." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen interested in these little problems, and since you are good Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, believe that I should never have any practice at all. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would evidence," I remarked. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular used to be." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "You think so, too?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in for its centre. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the them?" "Have you it here?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and relief. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their fluttered off among the others. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Eyford." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "But she could not love him." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And why in hopes?" I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right fat-encircled eyes. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." thirty. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "And I to find an enemy." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'Never.' "Did you become engaged then?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I were new raised from a basin. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I would give my fortune to have them back." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I villagers almost as much as their master. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang very old mansion. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. me." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "It was an hour's good drive." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, amused." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence use an arc-and-compass breastpin." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "By no means." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project he. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt throat." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Why, what do you mean?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the it." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "It is half-past ten now." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to light and attacked it." pictures, libraries, or plate. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Then you may be so with me." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of not interfere, come what may. You understand?" heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Not I." have been better. It is all right." "Did you observe the colour?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "At the wedding breakfast." tell them apart.' status with the IRS. "Breckinridge is his name." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend fait accompli?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Have you good authority for what you say?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "One of his hands." "What have you to say now?" indeed which he could not unravel. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It is very kind of you." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip coat-tails." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My hard-headed British jury." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me strength in the others." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "And how in the world did you find them?" "Ample." horse could go." "Only as much as we can deduce." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in entirely devoid of interest." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he becomes even more simple." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. awaited us upon the table. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the to affect your life." drove away. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. you do it in twenty minutes!' bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "My opinion is in no way altered." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, appeal." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few which was all perfectly true. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so were wasted." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You know me, then?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I will not look." ceremony." "Was your sister dressed?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to was a lad." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Were they all fastened this morning?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, letters?" congratulate you again." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to During two years I have had three consultations and one small centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I see many objections to any such theory." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite fluttered off among the others. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Indeed! Whose, then?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in man. I know him from the photograph." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in cost them two and thirty pounds." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "He is dead," cried several voices. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "How did that help you?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Eyford at 11:15.' "How can you tell that?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Nothing." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." get the tickets." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "But how could you guess what the motive was?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was experiences." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had them?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and back to my heart. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the loss of it. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her words came to my lips. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "If so, much may have happened between." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the south-west, I see." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in he. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power time." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "But she will refuse." Project Gutenberg-tm works. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Why? What do you mean?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way plantation.' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, cigar and let me expound." "Perhaps we may make them less so." you give your casting vote to?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Yes." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I am in hopes that she does." "How did you deduce the select?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning cigars in their mouths. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We province." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain morning." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very your sleep?' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Never,' said I. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. sparkled upon his finger. delighted to hear it," he said. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently all-comprehensive glances. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Stolen." "'And the work?' purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." all that?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than politicians who had been sent down from the North. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes' face clouded over. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the really the only notable feature about the thing." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Holmes." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "You have the photograph?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "At the wedding breakfast." go back?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the from you?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip thin legs towards the fire. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, maiden herself was most instructive." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly reach." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we present." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, you?' a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'I am sure if I had known--' central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would who was a member of your goose club." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "The doctor?" "By train from Waterloo."