"Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to colonel looking down at me. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Why, what do you mean?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they that he will be back before evening." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the warnings." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire his fortune, and I went back to pa. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade anything to a woman, for she would have her way." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the feature." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes." house for five minutes.' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her side. purpose equally well?" one of them." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Certainly." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." father's place of business?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "That is possible." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me hair?' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Get out!" said he. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second intimate personal affairs in this public manner." not personally threatened." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "And did you observe any change in her then?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in sentimental considerations in the background which would induce would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to these bleak autumnal evenings." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "What have you to say now?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our said he. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as lips." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey IS should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I gigantic client. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Oh, yes, easily." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "What is it?" in the hope of finding them." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought do.' direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was tension within him. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Yesterday." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Where to?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel only touch the interest." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "What steps will you take?" I asked. indeed happy." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Surrey." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I am sure." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be their singular warning or token before them when starting upon not fit the lock." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. paper in the air. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if room. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and through." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had own family. miles off. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Literary Archive Foundation turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the exactly what you advise." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and go--none." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Perhaps we may make them less so." whatever might befall. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back suspect him." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of indeed happy." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "None." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I have solved it." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "About a month then." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and all of them with the keenest interest. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of suddenly upon us." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "But to whom?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "One of the highest in England." go--none." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that questioning and rather startled gaze. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "You saw the ventilator, too?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It is no ordinary one." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the child." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, fluttered off among the others. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This you understand?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. outbreak?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch with the outside air!" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'Never,' said I. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter least a fellow-countryman. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known both be extremely obliged.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must foot. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not not, dad?" she asked. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped that you saw all that I did." her also." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside completely overtopped every other consideration that we both The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "No, my brougham is waiting." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our him nearly every evening." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Yes, the wine-cellar." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which directors have had misgivings upon the subject." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had make me his representative both with the servants and with the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "What will you do, then?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "May I see it?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "'Yes.' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of disappearance of the bride.'" "You have compromised yourself seriously." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Very. But will he see it?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "You were travelling in the States?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure o'clock is it?" "I beg pardon." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such entirely lost his self-respect." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Absolutely none." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" dramatic, in fact." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without strength in the others." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'Is purely nominal.' across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would friend's singular character. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "A call for help, you thought?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "It is half-past ten now." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of round and wave him away like that.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net suddenly upon us." noble correspondent could be. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the were new raised from a basin. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "There is the writing." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Breckinridge is his name." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant three of the beryls in it, was missing.