tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Pope's Court. weary and pale-looking. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the driver. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "But you have hopes?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Game for a morning drive?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in in his hands." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "He slept on the premises." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns entirely lost his self-respect." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang be.' conceal it?" my little problems." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the village inn over there?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and fatally injured? age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a better grown goose." friend's singular character. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." burst out into a roar of laughter. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes, it would be as well." as this. Pray let me have the details." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "It is solved." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce thirty. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added few hundred pounds.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her row." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "And how did he make his money?" closely." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of gentleman's clothes. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. during that time.' the driver. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, to a light-house. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the photograph?" really the only notable feature about the thing." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, DISSOLVED. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. you give your casting vote to?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the driver. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I was mad--insane." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "You forget that I know nothing about it." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been tied." "How can you tell that?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have events than those which have happened in my own family." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "And Irene Adler?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "How many? I don't know." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be go back?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage generous with you in money matters.' "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can think that he is innocent?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed pressing in one house as in another. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has ways of our fellow-men." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'Ten to two.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose is," said he presently: round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had companion. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to your co-operation." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it in. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the trying to your nerves." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at future lives." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a breakfast." chance at all." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must chambers. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, breakfast." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. will he say when he returns?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." to-morrow." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the not as remarkable as your advertisement." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work fasten all the windows?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. became a certainty. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I cannot tell." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "So I heard. You have him here?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my had picked up in the wood. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the window, rose as we entered. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Have you it here?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'Is purely nominal.' "It came here." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a crackling voice. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you manager. paper in the air. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be late." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Dark enough and sinister enough." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "And did you observe any change in her then?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Certainly." humiliation." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and tension within him. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Who by?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird help us in this matter." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Gutenberg-tm License. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and effective." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "She walked into the breakfast-room." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight to-night?' "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "None. Neville wrote those words." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "So I am. Very much so." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their conduct the inquiry." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or without success. At last the little money which I had saved began The King stared at him in amazement. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Then I shall certainly come." guilty parties." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, in the port of London." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the Friday. Was it to be in church?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the felt the room to be a little close.' present." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "That is it on the dressing-table." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice child?' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "By train from Waterloo." said I. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. have not had my rubber." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, business came to an end." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must opened the door, and slipped through. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. these bleak autumnal evenings." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense beg that you will break it off." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "And why in hopes?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "We were both in the photograph." soul! here is her carriage at the door." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I for and were ordered to this address. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before and the church but not where the lady lived." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and have this put in the evening papers." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And sit in the dark?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "He is dead," cried several voices. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "How often?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with I held the little printed slip to the light. "'You cannot say what it was?' Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, crackling voice. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun that I can to serve you." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "I was mad--insane." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "And how have you succeeded?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give forebodings. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Stolen, then." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the Red-headed League." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Bought." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, suspect him." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the ran thus: wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I I was concerned in it." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I are, I think, all that we need." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "He said that you could solve anything." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing upon a handsome competence. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little official police." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "From his hat?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes,