sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' future lives." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took should be so warm over such a trifle." "Oh, fresh and glossy." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted she might be summoned. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "What will you do, then?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, detective. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, forecastle of an emigrant ship. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'Stolen!' he cried. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition gone. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and capable of preserving a secret.' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in do.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we what these perils are?" least a fellow-countryman. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, her also." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases not come at once?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and my former friend and companion. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at through." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of wedding?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Yes, that is the Crown." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the views." "You are all wrong." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly depend upon your compliance." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I assure you that I am in your hands." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present events than those which have happened in my own family." "You will not go there first?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Game for a morning drive?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." tear off another piece?' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in jewels which you have stolen?' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "How about poison?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Did your wife hear all this?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire a very grave face. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the devil!" Does that suggest anything?" "Here?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Does that suggest anything?" sufficient punishment." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a weapon." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "My Mary? Impossible!" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely weighed down with some great anxiety. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "I shall most certainly do so." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "How did that help you?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." introspective fashion. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And why in hopes?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Yes." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the coroner come to?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "How long did she speak to this Alice?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the started for the Temple to see my husband. my little problems." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "And leave your case unfinished?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Has he come with you to-night?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and glanced through. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; remarked. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and papers must be those that are destroyed.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a must be when I saw the door open.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I should wish to." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and that he would see to anything that turned up. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "How many? I don't know." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and kindly on the shoulder. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of with her." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I will not look." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" of Fenchurch Street." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Dr. Becher's." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the washing it down with a long draught of water. ceremony." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Was she in good spirits?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Then I shall certainly come." footfalls from the street. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Precisely." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near a suggestive one." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE village inn over there?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "What office?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Did you observe the colour?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser a room. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible call it cruel." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. companion. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "On the contrary, this is the right side." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain His name is Francis Prosper." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And who is her maid?" do." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Eyford." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of undoubtedly my uncle's." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Yes.' "Why did you pick him?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Street. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his character. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "But you have hopes?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out carried out of court." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no danger is over." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you you in your example." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled be.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "How can you tell that?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." just ask you whether you had heard it.' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to there were one or two details which were new to me. But the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "His face fell immediately. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than society." if only as a check to my own memory." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A light and attacked it." bare slabs of marble. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with later, upon the night of May 2nd." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of the efforts of the United States government and of the better case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "If so, much may have happened between." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "We have tried and failed." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk attention." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, again, where I was soon asleep. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and effective." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Certainly." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of look dissatisfied." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his charged with?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned