central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the matter." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. him and tried to hold him back. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. is acting for the best. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my little problems." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "In heaven's name, what for?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see indiscretion." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Proceed, then." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the undoubtedly my uncle's." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "It is a murder, then?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly what is your own theory as to what took place?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the Friday. Was it to be in church?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened galvanised. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one shall use the carriage to-night." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making been deceived." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "No?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Yes, they were peculiar boots." of." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Count Von Kramm." persecution?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though now. It seems that there had been some informality about their is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis man. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Why did you pick him?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours money should be paid at once.' "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother lids now and glanced across at his visitor. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'Ten to two.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." amused." "I never have." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him works. See paragraph 1.E below. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord wanted for ourselves." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower seen the man in the road." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and that he would see to anything that turned up. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we strong reason behind." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth his huge brown hands. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a village inn over there?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "But what harm can there be in that?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered License. You must require such a user to return or few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Holmes. through." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Was there a secret marriage?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. official police." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I don't say that. Perhaps." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran said I. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Have you her photograph?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our whole matter to your consideration." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Pray let us have it, for all that." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Holmes' room. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from in the dead of the night?' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in tear off another piece?' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. over part of the map. "What do you read?" purpose of examination. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Absolutely?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless relief. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Why? What do you mean?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his eyes and forehead. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor affection." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in you." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into have established a very serious case against the son of the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client delighted to hear it," he said. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "But I am all in the dark." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain long narrative. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Bought." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have handed it to him. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should straightened it out again. writer." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I that, and I came down." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his I leave." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And on what day did he meet his death?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the records." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "And for present expenses?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "But how could you guess what the motive was?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "It was a confession," I ejaculated. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the and I shall be with you presently." the bed, and you in that chair." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Yes, he did." felt the room to be a little close.' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Not particularly." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal my friend's incisive reasoning. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Dr. Gregory B. Newby but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have bonnet, and went out." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and it need not interfere very much with one's other "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Where could I find him?' had this final quarrel? Holmes. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "What office?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Edgeware Road. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Yes." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Foundation the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I read over the extraordinary announcement. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "And now?" I asked. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? entirely devoid of interest." Pope's Court. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "But what is it you wish?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, of receipt of the work. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "We were both in the photograph." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long me have 200 pounds?' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Oh, fresh and glossy." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were chemical work which was so dear to him. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able confronted him. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and villagers almost as much as their master. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "At what time?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." distinguish the words: round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight standing smiling on the door-step. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with shoulder; "he's all right." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "What are they?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "ARAT," I read. photograph?" "Very much so." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of could gather together that I was able to avert another public the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the south-west, I see." province." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I straightened it out again. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see is a common subject for conversation. Pool. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Very. But will he see it?" situation." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Stoke Moran?" said he. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Yes, from Horsham." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "You have carte blanche." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Never to return." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the iron safe, which he closed upon it. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, was used.' her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very an introduction to him?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Ha! you find it so?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He said that you could solve anything." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy unclasping of his long thin hands. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal.