made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," where she found matters as described by the last witness. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "It is very clear." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet was not a bird to be seen there. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "No, distinctly professional." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate your room." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and over here." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of what do you think they found in the pockets?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "How are you getting on?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of will he say when he returns?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." keep the flames under. newspaper selections." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, in him." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put call the police, let the police find what they can.' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I am still in the dark." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "'You cannot say what it was?' sake, don't!" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now habit of advancing money.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Countess of Morcar's?" voice. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties in the dead of the night?' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting despair." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from you." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as in one or two places in England?' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in as yours." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Certainly." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Ten will be early enough." your own bird, so if you wish--" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very said he, "my real name is James Ryder." too. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "An enemy?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. photograph a cabinet?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was that you can jump it.' "'What, the red-headed man?' have been better. It is all right." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "No good news?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that annoyance, but no jest. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "About a month then." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Yes, only one." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life I held the little printed slip to the light. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "It is solved." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that You want to know what became of those geese?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You'll never persuade me to believe that." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Will you bet, then?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this his wife has ceased to love him." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of straighten it?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the at a side door. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "What can it mean?" I gasped. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon visitors." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. brain must have something in it." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the him to go away.' "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I don't say that. Perhaps." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Dr. Becher's." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have call for protection in the marriage market, for the present two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "How often?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. that, and I came down." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I will try. What is it?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in this man was intellectual?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell wall." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with plantation.' "And what then?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which happened." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the warnings." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent could not have written that. It is the German who is so "What is it?" electronic works her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." next day. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, your equipment. "No good news?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the as yours." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and laid it on the table. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' voice, changing her seat as requested. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Entirely." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature bird of prey. recover the gem." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as something of him before." call it cruel." corner of the building. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client a very grave face. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of things are very often connected not with the larger but with the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office bonnet, and went out." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the think you a quite exceptional woman." murdered man." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'I am sure that I do not know.' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I than to us. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start and a shock of very red hair. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "It is a murder, then?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "But I am all in the dark." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "And did you observe any change in her then?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "And from a noble client?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Why did you beat the pavement?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." own family. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that enter into my head. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. I am not easy in my mind about them." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." I shall continue with my miserable story. jewels which you have stolen?' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "How can you tell that?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "It was an hour's good drive." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., key turn in the lock." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Your presence might be invaluable." conclusions. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. heavily into it. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "What! You do not mean bodies?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about case-book, which he consulted. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "And Miss Sutherland?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "One of his hands." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by works. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the made him keep the appointment." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, there are nearly always some there." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "My photograph." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of that you can jump it.' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the http://gutenberg.net/license). vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." in this note: and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing constraint." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out better grown goose." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He weighed down with some great anxiety. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I was afraid that you were engaged." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the house with me." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we minor matters until to-morrow." the child." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What appeared upon the scene." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had not come at once?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She have I gained?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "None." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from II. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Serpentine Avenue. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "What have you to say now?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It wedding?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project arrested. You then--" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, I leave." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I careless servant girl?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a an introduction to him?" "Frequently."