The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to companion imperturbably. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps girl said." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the cost them two and thirty pounds." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat straighten it?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "What! Had he lost his wife?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will it right.' "Come in!" said Holmes. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must suspect him." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger constraint." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a voice. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were presented which may be striking and bizarre without being downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I said he. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it matter." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the business at Coburg Square is serious." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Yesterday." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "No bad?" she to prove their authenticity?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As there has been an enclosure here!" "By no means." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went done what I asked you, Jones?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "And you don't know his address?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save thought that she would have been so carried away." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and looked back. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'I am sure that I do not know.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate that you saw all that I did." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner cost them two and thirty pounds." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is official police." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your and the colonel ushered me in. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "How did he come?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." absorbing." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "One?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her cigar and let me expound." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the one as in the other." have got?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling unclasping of his long thin hands. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of there has been an enclosure here!" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door fasten all the windows?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from article?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." delighted to hear it," he said. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "No, my brougham is waiting." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from what do you think they found in the pockets?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." prepare for the new role I have to play." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and dates and names. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain indeed which he could not unravel. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. gbnewby@pglaf.org and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the again, where I was soon asleep. "What then?" generous with you in money matters.' "You know me, then?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official had died away into the silence from which it rose. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor forecastle of an emigrant ship. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "And why?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan as the one I chose?' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more within hail.' suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Here?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and other, as fresh and trim as possible. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, crackling voice. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely them?" The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Again Holmes raved in the air. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' observed. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I have my revolver," said I. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes questioning and rather startled gaze. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with it with his own hands." in. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom is now desirous of getting those letters back." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have him and tried to hold him back. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. emerged. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would so.' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The fatally injured? "It must be recovered." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "The murder was done with it." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able better grown goose." for and were ordered to this address. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he that I may have something better before very many minutes are which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Yes, at the mines." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the client, rising. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, think that he is innocent?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed strode off upon his way. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a bare slabs of marble. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the tell me that you intended to go into harness." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar retorted upon me, and I on you." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here him, that man would not have given me such complete information effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Pray be precise as to details," said he. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I indeed which he could not unravel. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You think that he is dead?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in States. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Nearly eleven." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting following enigmatical notices: deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" companion. society." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Come in!" said Holmes. obstinate." instituted." look upon these things in a different way." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could conduct the inquiry." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round to-morrow." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in matter." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far must be when I saw the door open.' entirely lost his self-respect." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make guilty parties." for and were ordered to this address. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" strong and stiff." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "It was an hour's good drive." think that he is innocent?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the ceiling. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was What do you deduce from it?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." unkempt, staring out at me. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "One?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "None. Neville wrote those words." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "I should be immensely obliged to you." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. be best to do. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a will he say when he returns?" "Then what has happened to him?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was in my life." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered During two years I have had three consultations and one small Sutherland. everything which you would wish to know." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest some water from a caraffe. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. enter Dr. Roylott's room." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." to have been novel and of interest." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" amused." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Do you go out much in society?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you upon the white wrist. straighten it?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Thank you. And your address?" of his shoulders. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a he died? twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And you thought he was pulled back?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can not come at once?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Do you know him?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "And help." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited attention." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so woman." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers