the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Not yet." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or she to prove their authenticity?" knowledge of the world." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of he. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "He might." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard guilty parties." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to III. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this miles off. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of that you wished to speak to me?' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money this Miss Turner." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Seven!" I answered. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be with the outside air!" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this open." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that there was nothing in it, after all." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault taking in every detail of the apartment. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic is so. I know all about McCarthy." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "A greater distance to travel." of campaign. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and were new raised from a basin. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should begin with, and I had not got mine yet." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "'Where to?' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. himself to hunt down. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "But I have heard all that you have heard." relief. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Munro.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all The summons was a brief and urgent one. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on never will be, entirely cleared up. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been him to go away.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And the cigar-holder?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just feature." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Then the page we have seen--" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "That is also quite modern," said the lady. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. charge against him will break down." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is troubles have been weighing upon his mind. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not that before taking the final step I should like to submit the colour had been driven from his face. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about attention." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush gigantic client. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police thirty. stood on the top of it. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Do you know him?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the tragedy. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "It is very kind of you." gone. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "He might." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. hopeless attempt at recovering them." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the chamber." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "In San Francisco, a year ago." hardly wander." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the station." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would possible that we could bring him back to her? "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek distinguish the words: "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Yes, from Horsham." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "But she could not love him." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out woman." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Yes." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "But how did you gain them?" skylight. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me all-comprehensive glances. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in in him." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, held up the lantern and gazed about him. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the King without delay." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and indeed happy." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Literary Archive Foundation implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she all-comprehensive glances. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his answered with a sidelong glance. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, cost them two and thirty pounds." "Did he not advertise?" Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the man. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be appeal." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his words came to my lips. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have strength." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a rat could hardly pass through." "And the murderer?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was morning." hair?' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Did you become engaged then?" and all of them with the keenest interest. "Indeed! Whose, then?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used key turn in the lock." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Why serious?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "In answer to an advertisement." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long appeared upon the scene." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." pound a week." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to For additional contact information: the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Dark enough and sinister enough." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while married her." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "If so, much may have happened between." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." the dangers which encompass me." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Dark enough and sinister enough." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "How often?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "A call for help, you thought?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I cannot say that I have." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Yes." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "How long did she speak to this Alice?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his humiliation." conduct the inquiry." to have been novel and of interest." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my wife's character?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect come either from the window or the door. My attention was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further your sleep?' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are overpowering excitement and concern. 1.E.9. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'Oh, no.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, tell them apart.' utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how be there in time for your coming." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man been lifted and conveyed somewhere." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the night.' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done this as likely?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted light and attacked it." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into annoyance, but no jest. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "What then?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during before the coroner and the police-court." business?" not fit the lock." hand, madam?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "What then?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to over with notes and figures. "Dr. Becher's." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would or in danger--" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was child?' that I may have something better before very many minutes are beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say to that open window." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free your own bird, so if you wish--" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big hereditary King of Bohemia." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the and no precautions can guard against." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Then how many are there?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "But who is he?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the loss of it. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong became a certainty. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind happened." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction troubles have been weighing upon his mind. national property. I was determined that the law should have its something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She crowd. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but touch that coronet?' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Yes, at the mines." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the him, that man would not have given me such complete information