conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, and effective." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. are, I think, all that we need." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow think, you have already met." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. in one or two places in England?' hour." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "On the contrary, this is the right side." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Yes, it would be as well." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's It may be so in this case, also." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the night.' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, back alive. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I warn you that they are very incomplete." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a before the coroner and the police-court." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all room. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to to talk it over. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. is now desirous of getting those letters back." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking populous neighbourhood." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Was he the only applicant?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to sentimental considerations in the background which would induce hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call always that they were such commands as a lady might with matters immensely." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. it." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, burst out into a roar of laughter. ran thus: of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Yes?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Yes?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he writer." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear purpose of examination. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" sofa. This way, please!" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled nights." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do heavy and sharp instrument." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried status with the IRS. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. opportunities to fix the problem. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and wait." quite distinctive." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Then, as to money?" fact, we may call it conclusive." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a British peeress.'" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "It is true that I have been generally successful." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "My dear Holmes!" families. Now for the facts. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "One of his hands." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the lost his Christmas dinner." whether it answered to the description of any of their may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third indiscretion." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. to arrive at through this?" conclusions. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was passage and a tap at the door. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." during that time.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "No more words. Get out!" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Did he not advertise?" to have that photograph." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, again, where I was soon asleep. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "But what will you do?" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of place of silver." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Have you her photograph?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the child." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and absorbing." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a flock.' some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Ten will be early enough." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." this Miss Turner." "Holmes, the busybody!" was already answered. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "That was it, sir." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. there!' "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert green of the new foliage. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "His face fell immediately. "But the mystery?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get through." "Then, as to money?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements possible that we could bring him back to her? it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "If I can be of use." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. murdered man." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Sholtos." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having light and attacked it." "He is still with you, I presume?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic excitement. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Then he might have called to you?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can vault. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Yes." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "He slept on the premises." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Yes." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Just look it up, then." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Yes." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had to some other building. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. during that time.' the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "And the murderer?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It awkward doing business with an alias." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of o'clock is it?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "That you are never beaten." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "And why in hopes?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "You horrify me!" advice." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. there in twenty minutes." already referred to. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" see a sister of mine apply for." it. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely The King stared at him in amazement. call the police, let the police find what they can.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and my secret was safe in his possession. handed it to him. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your friend's singular character. should be so warm over such a trifle." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for you for a few hours?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous may have an influence upon European history." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the forehead. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "That is unusual in a young girl." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," joking. case before our client came into the room." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I know that the truth is known." what these perils are?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with ashen face. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "To the police?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "How did you trace it, then?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile observed. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." walking." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside photograph?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. back into the street. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a outsides of the windows. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "My last client of the sort was a king." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic some terrible trap for her." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are legal crime." do.' from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of delighted to hear it," he said. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the house with me." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I that I am arrested." read it out to me." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "What can it mean?" I gasped. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am is worth.' listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air man. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for is worth.' "Then I shall certainly come." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been anything to do with the matter?" that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off The King stared at him in amazement. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I answered that I had not. is so. I know all about McCarthy." which we had just quitted. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the warnings." "'What then?' I asked. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the