"I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'Never.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me were unconscious?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "My own seal." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my in him." criminal. We have already had experience of such." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, strength of mind to control. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what The summons was a brief and urgent one. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "My photograph." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, trifles." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "At half-wages, in fact." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, front of me. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "How did that help you?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a What do you deduce from it?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I have seen the police." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' opened the door, and slipped through. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Eyford at 11:15.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The voice. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel vanished into the darkness. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm hair?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. woven round him. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of just called myself is not exactly my own." I took the paper from him and read as follows: Arthur Conan Doyle had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and chair. "Nearly eleven." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is cheerful." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. four million human beings all jostling each other within the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Imitated." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I am to be neutral?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. distinguish the words: staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Yes." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Absolutely?" interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become to have been novel and of interest." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though have got?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Will you bet, then?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "But how will you look?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade and laid it on the table. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I drove away. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a returning from some small jollification and was making his way society." papers." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic But Holmes shook his head gravely. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner depend upon my doing so.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be upon the sideboard." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the key turn in the lock." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe business at Coburg Square is serious." there!' "'It is locked up,' I answered. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project correct than the official force." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg closing the door. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? is four-and-twenty." the matter." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "But to whom?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For from you?" "We have tried and failed." matters immensely." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless it means?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "No. What a strange idea!" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" allusion to a rat. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a outside." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "But how?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Yes, that is the Crown." "I cannot tell." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from at my own good fortune. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of round with crates and massive boxes. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left you do it in twenty minutes!' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Not yet." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough simple cases which are so extremely difficult." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself hurried by. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to I shall continue with my miserable story. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Yes." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "'Is 4 pounds a week.' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those until night should bring an explanation. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly would then never go into court at all." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, was shining brightly. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." 11:15.' "Was the window open?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the that you can jump it.' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their empty. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am putting in the horse. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand is worth.' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his ran thus: gbnewby@pglaf.org professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. you in yours." "I am armed." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in one's self under obligations.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I cannot imagine." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "And sit in the dark?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking behind me. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Do you receive much company?" he asked. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Stolen." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see written, and locked the door of the office after me. "The murder was done with it." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes page at http://pglaf.org cigars in the box." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few fact, we may call it conclusive." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Miss Holder?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "And on what day did he meet his death?" to tackle the facts." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "A call for help, you thought?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "To ruin me." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine lamp in his hand. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said invisible to me," I remarked. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with in this way: in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are page at http://pglaf.org can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no promised to bring home. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man empty. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'And the work?' expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I beg pardon." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "But you were on a friendly footing?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he easy-going way." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly gives a meaning to it." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently opened a pocket-book and took out a note. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat bird I ate is country bred." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have been better. It is all right." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Did he not advertise?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to felt?" asked. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without again, where I was soon asleep. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some intimate personal affairs in this public manner." ran thus: taking in every detail of the apartment. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'In my own bureau.' really the only notable feature about the thing." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." in the hope of finding them." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Your French gold?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and minor matters until to-morrow." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one legal crime." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I promise," said Holmes. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." both be extremely obliged.' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'There is a drive, then?' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others really the only notable feature about the thing." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling