the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and when you have done it." dramatic, in fact." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are into the bag, and made for the door. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a of his shoulders. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'I am sure if I had known--' the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the chair. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Arthur Conan Doyle has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were appeal." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Where to?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot as the one I chose?' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, McCarthy's innocence. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "'Certainly not.' smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with room?" unclasping of his long thin hands. off." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest noting anything else of interest. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "Then I can wait in the next room." instincts rose up against that laugh. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than 1.F. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of might help us?" the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, lamp in his hand. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into showing my impatience. hands. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'And the work?' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "In the cells." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said skylight. the address that was given us in the advertisement. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of get her out of the way." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "To an English lawyer named Norton." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I cannot think." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "And the murderer?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dates and names. to a more successful conclusion." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the than was visible to me." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the were new raised from a basin. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He undoubtedly my uncle's." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud right! Sit down and let us talk it over." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the John Swain, of St. Augustine. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and desk. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "You were travelling in the States?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. several quiet little villages up there." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "What then?" baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." was keenly on my guard against him. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless will find little credit to be gained out of this case." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and letters?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them public press." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Murdered?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And did you observe any change in her then?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" pound a week." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Tired-looking or fresh?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "What! Had he lost his wife?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the IS Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "He said that you could solve anything." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." that I am arrested." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Yes." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You purpose of examination. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for triumphant cloud from his cigarette. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Did you become engaged then?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the must compliment you." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. again." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to your billet.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have established a very serious case against the son of the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, death." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then he. III. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back heavily into it. that, and I came down." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which then?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most infinite languor in his face. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Perhaps we may make them less so." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb think you a quite exceptional woman." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when you." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Yes, that is the Crown." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him signal between you and your father? in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "One of his hands." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Absolutely none." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "'Not at all. I only doubt--' chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Precisely." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. instituted." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had bears upon the case?" some terrible trap for her." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other be. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot secret." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after open." "Won't it ring?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his laugh and put his lips to my ear. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big page at http://pglaf.org far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in the dead of the night?' I am not easy in my mind about them." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." were unconscious?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. been with you?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew remarked. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "What, then, did Peterson do?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from since then to throw any light upon what became of him." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his footfalls from the street. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan coat-tails." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "It is possible." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always bearing upon the case." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I am sure." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned formed some opinion?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "But you can know nothing of this?" distinguish the words: been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the guilty one." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will think that he is innocent?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have or in danger--" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. hair?' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Your presence might be invaluable." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "It is half-past ten now." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." to a light-house. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have reach." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the feature." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows.