end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." here." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of business." over here." whole matter to your consideration." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." on in his house." indeed which he could not unravel. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the you in yours." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was prove to be little relation between the different incidents of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ran thus: sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a directors, with the result that you have seen." "Her father is very rich?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Eyford at 11:15.' results." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Thank you. Pray proceed." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was some water from a caraffe. arrangements." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining throat." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger his eyes and forehead. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" exactly what you advise." know that the truth is known." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to business came to an end." "She will not sell." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to stalked out of the room. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes house for five minutes.' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning money should be paid at once.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, it right.' "Thank you. And your address?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I should be immensely obliged to you." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "There is the writing." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the 1.F. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my row." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass 1.E.9. "No, finished." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously him. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the matter?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "It surprised me." "BALLARAT." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was appeared upon the scene." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all chair. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the I approached. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her front of me. "And sit in the dark?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much and all of them with the keenest interest. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I should wish to." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Yesterday." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it his face. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Eyford." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to Leatherhead. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Get out!" said he. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'How far from the body?' true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I guessed as much." did not hear it also.' it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "That was it, sir." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an have accepted such a situation. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "10th. John Swain cleared. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Nearly eleven." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending behind me. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Certainly." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "What! a murderous attack?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit would then never go into court at all." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and there when the Rucastles went away." humiliation." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "'It is locked up,' I answered. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his would then never go into court at all." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I matter over." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the and the church but not where the lady lived." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Stoke Moran?" said he. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "It certainly sounds feasible." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried McCarthy's innocence. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle searched, without anything being found which could incriminate did not hear it also.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the started for the Temple to see my husband. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down indiscretion." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a detective. "Yes, I have one waiting." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Yes, only one." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "And your mother is alive?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Of what?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." returning from some small jollification and was making his way from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying strong and stiff." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "That you are never beaten." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "But to whom?" been shamefully used." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being him and tried to hold him back. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of eavesdroppers?' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Yes." "What then?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fire. You quite follow me?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied a suggestive one." direction." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, prison!" Eyford at 11:15.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." is worth.' one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a back into the street. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss fish-monger and a tide-waiter." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck within hail.' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "How many? I don't know." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better it." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was him. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Stolen, then." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Witness: Nothing definite. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my manager. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I should like to see him very much." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds someone who had been in Australia." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to allusion to a rat. "'Ten to two.' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "But you have hopes?" "My dear Holmes!" his face. strong reason behind." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "No." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still families. Now for the facts. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. at home. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I think that it is very probable." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "How on earth--" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I know where it is." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "The rest you will leave in our hands." as he remarks, very much against the son." affection." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On said he. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. night.' said he. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin particular state visit http://pglaf.org been anything against him. He had for years been known as a with you?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Yes, sir." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a I have it here in my museum." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sooner or later she must fall a victim. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut possible that we could bring him back to her? the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "You saw the ventilator, too?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and inquire as to the address." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the coroner come to?" "Married! When?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Certainly." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in as he folded up the epistle. occurred." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were hard-headed British jury." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he breakfast?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, to tell." papers." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you want, then?' in the hope of finding them." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these manager. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew within hail.' gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "I don't say that. Perhaps." companion. 11:15.' we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, My friend smiled. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering room had already been engaged for us. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "The Coroner: What do you mean? note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered that, and I came down." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Indeed! Whose, then?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," my friend's incisive reasoning. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the people don't know." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square