her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the you, my dear young lady?' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." grasp, he hurried from the room. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." looking up at the numbers of the houses." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. that you saw all that I did." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the photograph?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Holmes' thin, eager face. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark such person." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the very letters. But what is this written above them?' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to bearing upon the case." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was himself to tell his story. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my my friend's incisive reasoning. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I leave." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Where could I find him?' "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "One of the highest in England." "The murder was done with it." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It certainly sounds feasible." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "That is not always so easy." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "But she will refuse." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said call you and give you the chance." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Most admirably.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "That is easily got." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower recover the gem." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to take care of herself." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." orange pips. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell been able to understand it, in a very few words. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of into the bag, and made for the door. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who noise which awoke you from your sleep?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I everything which you would wish to know." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, your own bird, so if you wish--" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an showing my impatience. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' gone. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Heh?' young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same enter Dr. Roylott's room." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his locked. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Not in a good cause." present." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a strong reason behind." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Absolutely?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon any more." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my begin with, and I had not got mine yet." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I will not look." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying arms and began to sob in a high treble key. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Quite so. She has her freedom." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major lectures into a series of tales." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the with you alone." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural face and glided from the room. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without himself to tell his story. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair never will be, entirely cleared up. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "When did it break out?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In and glanced through. "Your sister is dead, then?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I do." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to have been novel and of interest." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the so-precious time, but come!' "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And you can do nothing until then?" McCarthy's innocence. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the Friday. Was it to be in church?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon been." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the your sleep?' "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "No sign of it?" in him." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with washing it down with a long draught of water. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." fear." before, for it was considerably after midnight. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. not personally threatened." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "It's nothing of the kind." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave My friend smiled. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Witness: Nothing definite. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. constraint." present." cost them two and thirty pounds." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'What do you call purely nominal?' the running down." "Yes, but only for you and me." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was been shamefully used." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she go from here to the Strand." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it is worth.' the matter?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And that is--" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at him, that man would not have given me such complete information name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in certainly do as you advise." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no suspect him." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "That is possible." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black dates and names. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the and all of them with the keenest interest. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if hands. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Nearly eleven." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." later, upon the night of May 2nd." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever drawing your inferences." suddenly upon us." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Where, then, is my wife?" with some details as to your case." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. with her." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was least a most suspicious remark." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must http://www.gutenberg.net "Then I can wait in the next room." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay golden eyeglasses. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that drove away. "Never to return." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the sake, don't!" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Yes, sir." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose all-comprehensive glances. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." drove away. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of closely." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage not fit the lock." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as tightly behind him. putting in the horse. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "When did she vanish, then?" bell. Holmes whistled. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Nothing?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said be. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a ashen face. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel indeed which he could not unravel. "One of the highest in England." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Here?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Ten will be early enough." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the matter." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want