is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a in darkness. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have cause to be." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to to his chemical studies. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the forehead. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Stolen." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, companion. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "He said too much." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed on in his house." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Arthur Conan Doyle hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the someone who had been in Australia." friend's singular character. "On your arm?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "It certainly sounds feasible." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Where could I find him?' submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "What then?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Why serious?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'Most admirably.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were quite distinctive." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that important." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "But how?" of this gang." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I key of the affair now." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make ceremony." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge directly by questioning you." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was fasten all the windows?" "None." several quiet little villages up there." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." colonel looking down at me. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Where did you address your letters, then?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very been shamefully used." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the six. Come in!" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were events, Mr. Windibank!" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the is a common subject for conversation. second window is the one that I jumped from." it. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Is he quiet?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest again, where I was soon asleep. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Witness: I must still refuse. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "My opinion is in no way altered." bill, which interests me deeply." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "And why?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Yes." "What will you say?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New lamp in his hand. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far to a more successful conclusion." second." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after For additional contact information: have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "No, I think that I'll take it." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's a very grave face. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" floor. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon compunction about shooting them down." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted are, and they are waiting for us." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Why? What do you mean?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than advice." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Holmes' room. newspaper selections." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush asked. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten that there was nothing in it, after all." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "There is the writing." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the coroner come to?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the advice." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in fire. You quite follow me?" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Yes, that is the Crown." clang of the bell. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." presented more singular features than that which was associated "Because he was handy and would come cheap." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which been shamefully used." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Won't it ring?" wall." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I was mad--insane." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Has he come with you to-night?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in companion. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become coroner's jury." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Was he the only applicant?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Come in!" said he. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a fire. You quite follow me?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the Red-headed League." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away you, my dear young lady?' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Where, indeed?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked putting in the horse. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the approach us with offers to donate. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'About the same.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Where did you address your letters, then?" to affect your life." skylight. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. and put his glass in his pocket. 11:15.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Get out!" said he. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Sutherland. "That you are never beaten." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "I would pay ten." 1.F. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of anything to do with the matter?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "And you don't know his address?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and wait." "And from a noble client?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the already referred to. "Yes." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy that I am arrested." discontent upon his features. and capable of preserving a secret.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an tell him that I know him to be innocent." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO know all about it," he snarled. yet." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you thought that she would have been so carried away." "Stolen." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" chair. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my everything which you would wish to know." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have companion imperturbably. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Not in a good cause." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. the Red-headed League." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, me what he had done with the three missing stones. once more. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would voice, changing her seat as requested. "But what harm can there be in that?" be.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Then he might have called to you?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the been shamefully used." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of awkward doing business with an alias." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in the hope of finding them." quite distinctive." be sorry for having acted so harshly." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am to be neutral?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to prisoner's face. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. with her." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Eh? What was that?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King in the hope of finding them." figure." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to were new raised from a basin. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may anything to do with the matter?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" heavy and sharp instrument." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of status with the IRS. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out this Miss Turner." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very once more. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I points to suicide?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "In which, sir?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "What, then, did Peterson do?" learned something! Where are the gems?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that to change my dress. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of together. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I what I may call a really hard day's work." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran