so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six his face. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he locked." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers that?' outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, rooms." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" like that before?" "How did you deduce the select?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for 11:15.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Lee, in the county of Kent." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "But I have heard all that you have heard." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Nothing." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, where we are going." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "What have you to say now?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to DAMAGE. "How are you getting on?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange note?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I vault. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the to a more successful conclusion." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his foot. your troubles." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may matter." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, strength of mind to control. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the one as in the other." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled that, and I came down." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Could he throw no light?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "My opinion is in no way altered." mystery may be cleared along those lines." photograph a cabinet?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to 11:15.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he not use it unless it is absolutely needed." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Was your sister dressed?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the side-table." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Pray continue your narrative." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the coronet in his hands?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained dramatic, in fact." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that quick march!" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the that there was nothing in it, after all." "Entirely." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations he. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Her father is very rich?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done this man was intellectual?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of becomes even more simple." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Then how many are there?" "Then I can wait in the next room." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out maiden herself was most instructive." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you tightly behind him. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I do." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for carpenter." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. furiously. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the room while you explain this matter?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and be best to do. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I have hopes." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." a good hundred miles off by now." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then in. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were so far?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." cigar and let me expound." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "And why?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his such person." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you dear old homesteads?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in putting in the horse. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you want, then?' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "In the cells." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but despair." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the inquest, and which are worth considering." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery are windows in it, of course?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. companion imperturbably. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Pool. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "'In my own bureau.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of she to prove their authenticity?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the directors, with the result that you have seen." reach." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the ceiling. residence of the great financier. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" himself to tell his story. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "He said that you could solve anything." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that directors, with the result that you have seen." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Surrey." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a better in every way that they should make their position a little prison!" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as geese which you supplied to the Alpha." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "But I am all in the dark." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me voice, changing her seat as requested. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And you can do nothing until then?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. within hail.' Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such fish-monger and a tide-waiter." investigation." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips photograph a cabinet?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece was feeling which was the fattest.' appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of might have a private word with us. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had least a fellow-countryman. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray despair." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. whether it answered to the description of any of their twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden indeed which he could not unravel. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he it." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Ah, but I was recommended to you." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Yes?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included your only hope of safety." you in your example." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the general public were present, then?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending giving me time to thank him. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Here?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the John Swain, of St. Augustine. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to test if we have an answer to our advertisement." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. straightened it out again. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Certainly." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was when your master had gone out." Edgeware Road. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had McCarthy." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "No, I am descending." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant there!' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is thin legs towards the fire. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it tell me that you intended to go into harness." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set there." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good had no one to advise her at such a crisis." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, ran thus: that there was nothing in it, after all." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this made him keep the appointment." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by dramatic, in fact." What do you deduce from it?" true." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his sooner or later she must fall a victim. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. said I. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the