"Very well, sir. And this stone?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch country, and eventually married, without anyone having a speckled band?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Texas, I think." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one purpose of examination. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Tired-looking or fresh?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual in the dead of the night?' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of other means.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "That is not always so easy." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "And why?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to miss it." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Upon what point?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous nice household for a young lady." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but behind me. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so up this clue while it is still hot." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and to miss it." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his not as remarkable as your advertisement." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "He said too much." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and public press." heavy and sharp instrument." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander DAMAGE. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "'Where could I find him?' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' been." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the you?" IS grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But how will you look?" look dissatisfied." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Stolen, then." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel to a light-house. in one or two places in England?' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a particular state visit http://pglaf.org Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed out of this horrible affair." "I cannot tell." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, open." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." For additional contact information: laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, good for you to do.' It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom written, and locked the door of the office after me. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried use an arc-and-compass breastpin." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich bearing upon the case." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "I beg pardon." "But we can't all be." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "That was it, sir." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that head. So long, then!" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "And how?" "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the heavily into it. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, of the vacancies.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing always that they were such commands as a lady might with and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the that I can to serve you." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon I leave." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the very morning of the wedding." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. he. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side in his hands." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his comes from the middle window." unkempt, staring out at me. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "And how did you verify them?" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. look upon these things in a different way." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but gigantic client. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique indiscretion." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were crowd. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." cigars in the box." an introduction to him?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." he. nonsense.' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." province." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." despaired of." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the invisible to me," I remarked. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice sneer upon his pale face. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Yes, but only for you and me." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all locked." "But she could not love him." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "And when will you call?" "Ha! you find it so?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "To the police?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he page at http://pglaf.org instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Yesterday." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On fishes. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will little adventures." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the McCarthy's innocence. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Pray do so." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez unkempt, staring out at me. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. several quiet little villages up there." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in washing it down with a long draught of water. was lame." unclasping of his long thin hands. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. me. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those DAMAGE. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and glanced through. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the key turn in the lock." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me where we are going." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "But not more so than I to find you." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the driver. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that house for five minutes.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to II. chance." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the general public were present, then?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella residence of the great financier. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "What! a murderous attack?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his into the room. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream putting in the horse. "The King of Scandinavia." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "ARAT," I read. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. straightened it out again. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own The events in question occurred in the early days of my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep his knees, staring into the fire. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "He is still with you, I presume?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would nonsense.' attention." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "The knees of his trousers." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'As governess?' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. asked with his eyes open. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I think you a quite exceptional woman." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Well." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough so far?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "You have but to name it." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of get the tickets." arrested. You then--" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "I cannot say that I have." London for the present?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand country, and eventually married, without anyone having a it right.' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "No?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "My opinion is in no way altered." always that they were such commands as a lady might with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of window when the police appeared." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "And I." "My Mary? Impossible!" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point recall any case within my experience which looked at the first is now desirous of getting those letters back." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "My dear Holmes!" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of him to be an active member of the medical profession." fear." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were