impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. thought that she would have been so carried away." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went kind enough to tell me what I should do." read it out to me." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what you?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "How do you know, then?" "The King of Scandinavia." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Perhaps we may make them less so." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "My dear Holmes!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Did you observe the colour?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' business?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have house for five minutes.' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a there." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "On your arm?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of this gang." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of bird of prey. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Then the page we have seen--" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously companion imperturbably. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Sholtos." correct than the official force." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Was there a secret marriage?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving skylight. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the ways of our fellow-men." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Nothing." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with looking up at the numbers of the houses." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination soul! here is her carriage at the door." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were you?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get should be so warm over such a trifle." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Have you good authority for what you say?" "I came to find a friend." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few had no one to advise her at such a crisis." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "And leave your case unfinished?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Project Gutenberg-tm works. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. tied." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and like gravel from a pit.' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Was she in good spirits?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "She showed me, as I told you she would." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "By all means." indiscretion." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black The King stared at him in amazement. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and occurred." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Yes, I have one waiting." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "You think that he is dead?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "By no means." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "You have the photograph?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and cause to be." chance at all." "'Never,' said I. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are which it had come upon my father." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the best of training." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I am about to be married." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted might have a private word with us. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any looking up at the numbers of the houses." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and despair." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "If I can be of use." would apply.' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes, all." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in him." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I outside. even so self-evident a thing as that." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to said he. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'And the work?' must compliment you." "'Where to?' sake, don't!" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you late." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And that is--" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what occupations.' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I know where it is." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply held up the lantern and gazed about him. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked fasten all the windows?" relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the side-table." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your strength of mind to control. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, of Fenchurch Street." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute definite end. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, that you wished to speak to me?' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'Yes, it was gone.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Then he might have called to you?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'Oh, no.' I held the little printed slip to the light. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery if only as a check to my own memory." "Why did you beat the pavement?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Yes, sir." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular are, and they are waiting for us." "To an end?" mysterious end." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. very old mansion. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim situation." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Heh?' Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side more terrible than the truth. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Have you her photograph?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." friends, not even his own brother. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "If so, much may have happened between." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And your mother is alive?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'About the same.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce such attractions and accomplishments?' be sorry for having acted so harshly." man. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he man. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "There is the writing." as the one I chose?' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." in his power. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I you came in." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth said I. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Clair, of Lee." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but companion imperturbably. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me best detective that ever lived. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Why, it's a dummy," said he. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note what these perils are?" at my own good fortune. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." address. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' sake, don't!" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best during the last few years, and there are many noble families to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "My dear Holmes!" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "To an end?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, she might be summoned. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "One?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist ready to-morrow?' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature it means?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg impression behind it as though a window had gently closed had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good head. So long, then!" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." what is your own theory as to what took place?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "How do you know, then?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He I was concerned in it." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As correct than the official force." case-book, which he consulted. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I ourselves in the office." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of from you?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity this unhappy family?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "What then?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of matter over." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried that he has suffered." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest whatever might befall. "I see many objections to any such theory." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Then how many are there?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a arrangements." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your bonnet, and went out." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Why serious?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank you in your example." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed stalked out of the room. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of business." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Whose house is it?" "Witness: Nothing definite. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Could he throw no light?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and the colonel ushered me in. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "How are you getting on?" "That you are never beaten." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "None." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," bled considerably." as the one I chose?' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him,