"Upon what point?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from clang of the bell. for the market.' approach us with offers to donate. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to whole matter to your consideration." is," said he presently: police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in carried out of court." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He I nodded again. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to shoulder; "he's all right." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I to take care of herself." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, suspect him." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hurried by. persecution?" "I beg pardon." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a morning." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for writing, and yet I know it well." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, money should be paid at once.' "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, companion quietly. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one events than those which have happened in my own family." "And how did you find out?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary than was visible to me." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Yes." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the warnings." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there in the hope of finding them." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Dark enough and sinister enough." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done following enigmatical notices: I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's him. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in to-night's adventure." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for entirely lost his self-respect." cost them two and thirty pounds." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in that is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to thirty. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "None." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the straightened it out again. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Yes." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and grasp, he hurried from the room. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "And why?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" I shall continue with my miserable story. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "He is dead," cried several voices. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan with some details as to your case." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "On the contrary, this is the right side." that I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to room had already been engaged for us. the matter." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yes, at the mines." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "And I to find an enemy." "But you have hopes?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from note?" "Yes." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "How are you getting on?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To room had already been engaged for us. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "The rest you will leave in our hands." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Never to return." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "May I see it?" she might be summoned. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as in the dead of the night?' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than was it brought him the coronet? "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Yes, sir." DAMAGE. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised shoulder. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Pray do so." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that there was nothing in it, after all." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at cigar and let me expound." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And is that all?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I but preventing her from injuring another. other lovers by making love himself." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a be.' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. this remarkable episode. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Why? What do you mean?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of not fit the lock." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: walking." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" views." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My may never be exposed to such a temptation." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that in his power. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his unprofitable." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Pool. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the armchair which I pushed forward for him. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Very truly yours, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were good for you to do.' fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and whole matter to your consideration." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured seem to you to be relevant or not." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It most important business. It is probable that he will be away all do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Yes, sir." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works events, Mr. Windibank!" "No bad?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "ARAT," I read. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you you." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging always that they were such commands as a lady might with part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Yes, he did." "You were travelling in the States?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has house for five minutes.' Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few fuss that is made over them." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the several quiet little villages up there." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere as he folded up the epistle. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do at once, for I have only half an hour." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his against a man in the prime of life?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Tired-looking or fresh?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the tapping his fingers upon the table. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King union?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform sooner or later she must fall a victim. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And corner of the building. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, several quiet little villages up there." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'I have already given you my word.' shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Yes, sir." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe mysterious business." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for to-morrow." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the very morning of the wedding." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At the roots. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may be there in time for your coming." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran hopeless attempt at recovering them." way in everything. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at drawing your inferences." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Married! When?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the crime. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Bought." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers in the port of London." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a foot. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I cannot think." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Yes." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at like that before?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never his huge brown hands. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Only as much as we can deduce." meant it for the best. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. this remarkable episode. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. criminal. We have already had experience of such." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said answered with a sidelong glance. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady