presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You horrify me!" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the unprofitable." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were them?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has becomes even more simple." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will question. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It is very clear." have accepted such a situation. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in nights." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by danger is over." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long that he will be back before evening." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "To the police?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'What then?' I asked. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being side. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has tell me that you intended to go into harness." noting anything else of interest. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would this as likely?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you important." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Texas, I think." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "'Stolen!' he cried. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing shoulder. drawing your inferences." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "About a month then." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new one's self under obligations.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that that before taking the final step I should like to submit the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Here?" "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout upon an income of about 60 pounds." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, bird I ate is country bred." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "You'll never persuade me to believe that." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked power." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Bought." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after had this final quarrel? Sutherland?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "No." during that time.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know second." "At what time?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." very morning of my second wedding." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Then what has happened to him?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. detained." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'What do you call purely nominal?' at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" discontent upon his features. secret." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. purpose of examination. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows off." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "What can you not understand?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "My opinion is in no way altered." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." husband's writing, madam." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "But your client--" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "That is not always so easy." electronic works and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through at my own good fortune. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." lost his Christmas dinner." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a been with you?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' sake, don't!" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Why did you pick him?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'I shall certainly be there.' might help us?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more nothing of it?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately into the room. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and the church but not where the lady lived." Gutenberg-tm License. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of villagers almost as much as their master. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Entirely.' his wife has ceased to love him." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in one's self under obligations.' There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. from you?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety the bed, and you in that chair." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and it." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I guessed as much." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Do you go out much in society?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question suspect him." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I chill to my heart. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to my secret was safe in his possession. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the Assizes." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to respectable self." open." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing have been better. It is all right." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "So I am. Very much so." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." if only as a check to my own memory." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my there!' the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Will you go?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of fait accompli?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And what did you learn from him?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the seen the man in the road." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from place of silver." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "But you were on a friendly footing?" "What are they?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then exactly what you advise." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I don't believe it." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill goes." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two she has been waylaid. There has been no result." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a go from here to the Strand." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making washing it down with a long draught of water. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to help us in this matter." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together you." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, whether it answered to the description of any of their "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to back into the street. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & your most interesting statement." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great drawing your inferences." congratulate you again." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was possible that we could bring him back to her? very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a ashen face. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one answer." ordinary clothes on?" "How did he come?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' with you?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's most important business. It is probable that he will be away all conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Pray do so." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite learned something! Where are the gems?" "Pray do so." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a not as remarkable as your advertisement." so.' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five during the last few years, and there are many noble families to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of before the coroner and the police-court." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham was already answered. that he has suffered." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the himself. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, to have that photograph." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' done what I asked you, Jones?" retorted upon me, and I on you." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said case-book, which he consulted. "He is still with you, I presume?" possible that we could bring him back to her? destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that room. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "We have tried and failed." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'Yes.' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no God! What an exposure! What can I do?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a cost them two and thirty pounds." "I have hopes." "The murder was done with it."