"Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. which we had just quitted. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "It is a murder, then?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "But what is it you wish?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project heavily into it. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some appeal." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come intrusion of other matters." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we shadow pass over his face as I spoke. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And how did he make his money?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Street. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in against a man in the prime of life?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the that you wished to speak to me?' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from upon a handsome competence. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the in this way: "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what danger is over." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is ashen face. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the might have a private word with us. mysterious business." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his during which he might have communicated with his friend the matter." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more instincts rose up against that laugh. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "He slept on the premises." there in twenty minutes." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am never came back." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you taking in every detail of the apartment. me." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "No. His orders were to stay in the house." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, particular state visit http://pglaf.org assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger case-book, which he consulted. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "And why?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, breakfast?" his cane at the bell-pull. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. entirely devoid of interest." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. is a common subject for conversation. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Your presence might be invaluable." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two footfalls from the street. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did The note was undated, and without either signature or address. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to might help us?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "By no means." strong reason behind." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." remarked. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Never to return." are windows in it, of course?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without girl said." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy voice. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, with frightened eyes at his accuser. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the coronet at all injured?" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be know what is wrong with it.' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler she might be summoned. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking salesman. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of coat-tails." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon all-comprehensive glances. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is leaning back in his chair. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and *** START: FULL LICENSE *** my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was woman." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The wife's character?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "And what did you learn from him?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter instituted." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And leave your case unfinished?" spare." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. rose-bushes. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon answer." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and one else, I think." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said we went to search for him, face downward in a little we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and quickly through a disagreeable task. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage despair." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in fear." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, cigar and let me expound." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "You will not go there first?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." instituted." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "No." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where that He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he his face which made him a very different person to the round, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "No legal papers or certificates?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. purpose equally well?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Yesterday." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "What can it mean?" I gasped. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said a good hundred miles off by now." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "On your arm?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I am armed." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business shoulder; "he's all right." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" matter." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then horse could go." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Watson," he said cordially. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the so-precious time, but come!' so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that colour had been driven from his face. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such be best to do. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to directors, with the result that you have seen." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "And your father? Did you tell him?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a The note was undated, and without either signature or address. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'A dozen yards or so.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on do." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep at home. bearing upon the case." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." place no limit on the sum I may draw." paper in the air. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Yes." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather business." "It came here." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to congratulate you again." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage may have an influence upon European history." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some coroner's jury." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my ordinary clothes on?" will not take me long to tell. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried outbreak?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. chance." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'I shall certainly be there.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most sooner or later she must fall a victim. hour." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "No, I think that I'll take it." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "No, I am descending." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the voice, changing her seat as requested. vanished into the darkness. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This will take you up to see the machine.' disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which undoubtedly my uncle's." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "How did he come?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "None." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it an introduction to him?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across morning." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. burst out into a roar of laughter. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of my former friend and companion. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs."