observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called your billet.' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "And I to find an enemy." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'I shall certainly be there.' all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very this truth that in these little records of our cases which you adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the strode off upon his way. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "And Miss Sutherland?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "ARAT," I read. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically that, and I came down." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with voice. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "What of the rat, then?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now bill, which interests me deeply." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell there in twenty minutes." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public case-book, which he consulted. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I cannot as yet see any connection." and glanced through. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Quite so. She has her freedom." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Bought." to-night." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I am to be neutral?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a morning." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our dates and names. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it face and glided from the room. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you bachelor.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged ran thus: would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years a room. call the police, let the police find what they can.' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I shall be delighted." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. good-night and bustled off upon her way. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine over his head with a sweet womanly caress. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Lee, in the county of Kent." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Entirely.' connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the III. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally definite end. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy than was visible to me." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "I am about to be married." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional open." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'And what are they worth?' I asked. third from London." said I. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal head. So long, then!" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we whole matter to your consideration." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of this as likely?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "I do." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his of a light. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill pity, because in other respects you would really have done very stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. foot. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his photograph a cabinet?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own present strange and interesting features that it is no easy air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was speckled band?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the sneer upon his pale face. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "An accident, I presume?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. strong reason behind." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over in your London, you will know that the office of the company is prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he appeared upon the scene." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew could gather together that I was able to avert another public man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "To ruin me." writers could invent nothing more crude." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will drawing your inferences." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, good-night and bustled off upon her way. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "No?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose begun to whiten, even as mine has." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Where to?' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." hereditary King of Bohemia." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for him, that man would not have given me such complete information home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence said I. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread this truth that in these little records of our cases which you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Where is it, then?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Very much so." "In what way?" asked Holmes. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "You have it, sir, just as it happened." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may did not hear it also.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Precisely." upon the white wrist. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance past. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Most admirably.' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among I shall communicate with you." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for daring than any effort of the imagination." strength in the others." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall obstinate." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and papers on the sundial.'" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Breckinridge is his name." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the which was all perfectly true. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'You cannot say what it was?' America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project assist you in forming an opinion." as the one I chose?' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two chance at all." "Where, indeed?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you at home. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance against a man in the prime of life?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit him to go away.' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than cheerful." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Not yet." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Lee, in the county of Kent." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place case-book, which he consulted. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of made him keep the appointment." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My this poor creature." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater orange pips. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Pray do so." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "No, finished." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "The knees of his trousers." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a results." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I came to find a friend." works. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with desk. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "At the wedding breakfast." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in said I. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the side-table." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the notes," he said. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Well?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock spark where all is dark to me." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'How far from the body?' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. I held the little printed slip to the light. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could come either from the window or the door. My attention was The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to have that photograph." think that he is innocent?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with always that they were such commands as a lady might with have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from him nearly every evening." girl said." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "None." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers here." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to-morrow." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Again Holmes raved in the air. "'How far from the body?' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the never to learn it at all." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little key of the affair now." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut yourselves in at night?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis outsides of the windows. definite end. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court people in all walks of life. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Murdered?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. the driver. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the King without delay." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "The Cedars?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "To an English lawyer named Norton." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" how narrow had been my escape. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in off." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open neither fascinating nor artistic." enter Dr. Roylott's room." you." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I who was a member of your goose club." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Certainly." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "I cannot think." "Yes, it would be as well." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the child." "Pray do so." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' that the gas is not laid on in his house?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that