tied." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of a light. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents call the police, let the police find what they can.' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that you understand?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "She showed me, as I told you she would." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, of your young ladies.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Then I do not see the point." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its certainly not very gracious." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "None." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let address. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could prison!" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "What, then, did Peterson do?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up it." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Which dealer's?' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Will you bet, then?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Gutenberg-tm License. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Yes, it was twisted." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Foundation society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such he. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" way in." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and be there in time for your coming." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "You did not overhear what they said?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There you." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "And how did you verify them?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton with you?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no careless servant girl?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and put his glass in his pocket. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside written. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little or in danger--" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have families. Now for the facts. "But how did you gain them?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same made his money." which our visitor detailed to us. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, at my own good fortune. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be until night should bring an explanation. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Absolutely none." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it memory. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Heh?' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next main points of my analysis." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, voice. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "You have carte blanche." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see bearing upon the case." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Not in a good cause." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over when your master had gone out." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Was she in good spirits?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Yes, at the mines." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at I approached. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. only touch the interest." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Well." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen more solid." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But silent! Oh, he will be silent!' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able it means?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his some city in a dream. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, unprofitable." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "No." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Yesterday." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "About a month then." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of with some details as to your case." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Then you may be so with me." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' him to go away.' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I am in hopes that she does." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. door?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "What is it?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for gone. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm at my remark. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and that he would see to anything that turned up. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "How about poison?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "What can it mean?" I gasped. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a without a word or a look. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. take the flies, but not before." the house with me." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this way in everything. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in wedding?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "And sit in the dark?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered kindly on the shoulder. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Sutherland?" existence." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, reach." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious tail." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "So I am. Very much so." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I am to be neutral?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted depend upon your compliance." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to at home. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" through." "'You cannot say what it was?' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously details." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." depend upon your compliance." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "And how have you succeeded?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I security.' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we For additional contact information: at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too begun to whiten, even as mine has." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a British peeress.'" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility little trying to do so much typewriting?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became lamp. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Stolen, then." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that trying to your nerves." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "One of his hands." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which cheerful." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps ashen face. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which this poor creature." vault. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I papers on the sundial.'" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Where could I find him?' and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as photograph?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "You think so, too?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Yes. He waved his hands." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "And help." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "You are certainly joking, Holmes." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." about here speaks of his kindness to him." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few when you have done it." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and