he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds populous neighbourhood." to Leatherhead. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very dramatic, in fact." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and hopeless attempt at recovering them." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert rat could hardly pass through." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Dr. Becher's." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly congratulate you again." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable crowd. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is way: quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I will not look." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for acquaintance?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was think, you have already met." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "But you have hopes?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which was all perfectly true. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "No." "Yes, from Horsham." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we shall not find me ungrateful." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Dirty?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and wall." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands was feeling which was the fattest.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Where did he live, then?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, should be taken.' on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Has he come with you to-night?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a had picked up in the wood. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of galvanised. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "He said too much." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his chemical work which was so dear to him. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some it with his own hands." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "What! Had he lost his wife?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an definite end. "Then I am your man." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. answered with a sidelong glance. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" married her." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And how have you succeeded?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers habit of advancing money.' room?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Texas, I think." on in his house." them, and came down just as you departed. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind corner of the building. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low compunction about shooting them down." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in details." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what too. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we pictures, libraries, or plate. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up despaired of." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got My friend smiled. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind pity, because in other respects you would really have done very just ask you whether you had heard it.' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "No." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have not as remarkable as your advertisement." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of records." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Not him." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my shoulder; "he's all right." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "About a month then." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It again." past. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Never." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'Certainly not.' assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the official police." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "A client, then?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern directly by questioning you." wedding?" the morning and make my own way in the world.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, http://gutenberg.net/license). "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and your relations to her." vanished into the darkness. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the call it cruel." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "'In my own bureau.' "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a relation between them, and what the object of his repeated house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied think, you have already met." "How did that help you?" bachelor.' roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in annoyance, but no jest. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I shall communicate with you." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." his eyes and forehead. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I o'clock is it?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Why? What do you mean?" me. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a October 9, 1890. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment four million human beings all jostling each other within the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "In the cells." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'And what salary do you ask?' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." your Highness to the police-station?" "I have solved it." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "She told me to ask you." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." better in every way that they should make their position a little "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Yes." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "His face fell immediately. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "And I." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my shag which I had seen upon the previous night. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Farm upon the left." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" License. You must require such a user to return or like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the station." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, I have one waiting." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Did you become engaged then?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for unclasping of his long thin hands. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. sound at heart." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been asked. "What office?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." believe that I should never have any practice at all. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility is four-and-twenty." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which answered with a sidelong glance. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute showing my impatience. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you generous with you in money matters.' any." back alive. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Very much so." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said his wife has ceased to love him." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "At the wedding breakfast." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am go from here to the Strand." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and newspaper selections." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I was mad--insane." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'Ten to two.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which gentleman's clothes. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Well, it is a possible supposition." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about burst into a hearty fit of laughter. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of quick march!" window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace standing smiling on the door-step. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a is now desirous of getting those letters back." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in himself in a perplexing position. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to envelope. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate writing, and yet I know it well." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over up this clue while it is still hot." during which he might have communicated with his friend the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A away to you." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There