you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address best detective that ever lived. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. more solid." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the joking. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you eat it." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your true." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "But I have heard all that you have heard." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was keenly on my guard against him. "Do you know him?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the man. I know him from the photograph." again, where I was soon asleep. "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and the colonel ushered me in. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Texas, I think." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple was used.' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Then how many are there?" and effective." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "How do you know, then?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the King without delay." quickly through a disagreeable task. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for himself to tell his story. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Again Holmes raved in the air. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I presume?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Stolen, then." whatever might befall. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction views." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And how did you find out?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "So I heard. You have him here?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "It is true that I have been generally successful." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the morning." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too test if we have an answer to our advertisement." suddenly upon us." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, crime. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much not come at once?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down October 9, 1890. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 several quiet little villages up there." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the warnings." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "The Coroner: What do you mean? however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "But who is he?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a shaken than I had ever seen him. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez shadow pass over his face as I spoke. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hands. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH again." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for lost his Christmas dinner." disappearance of these gems?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have this poor creature." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and capable of preserving a secret.' into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE it." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Then you may be so with me." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes for the market.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came problems help me to do so." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "By no means." said I. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Awake, Watson?" he asked. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "You have a clue?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'Where to?' you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was astonishment. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I cannot imagine." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I papers on the sundial.'" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Holmes' face clouded over. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently allusion to a rat. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "His face fell immediately. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned him and tried to hold him back. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers sentimental considerations in the background which would induce all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Pray let us have it, for all that." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "By all means." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this within hail.' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "You have the photograph?" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Precisely." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and it need not interfere very much with one's other ran thus: "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and is a common subject for conversation. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just been." be.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that tapping his fingers upon the table. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you then?" that he has suffered." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to without a word or a look. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat village inn over there?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: enough to aid us in our search." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the rat could hardly pass through." to have been novel and of interest." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Will you go?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "One of the highest in England." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "The gentleman I describe." in the dead of the night?' the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Did you become engaged then?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my you." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it away in different directions, and I went off to make my own with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. have had none more fantastic than this." "What will you do, then?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Imitated." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as memory. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would any little problem which you may submit to me." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It looks newer than the other things?" the warnings." http://gutenberg.net/license). "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It missed him, then?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, was a perfect sample of the class. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and of your young ladies.' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and strength in the others." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which legal crime." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "In which, sir?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual once more on the important position which you have been fortunate that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "But I am all in the dark." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Precisely." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains horse could go." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg place no limit on the sum I may draw." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the was shining brightly. arrangements." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he will not take me long to tell. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make horse could go." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "What! a murderous attack?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Dark enough and sinister enough." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "What, then, did Peterson do?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far girl said." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young to you." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. you for a few hours?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts roused himself from his reverie. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through to affect your life." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "At half-wages, in fact." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "The knees of his trousers." good for you to do.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and inquire as to the address." "How on earth--" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A must compliment you." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Not social, then?" "But she could not love him." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the just ask you whether you had heard it.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled lost his Christmas dinner." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Pray continue your narrative." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." which it had come upon my father." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'Why that?' I asks. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Countess of Morcar's?" success. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found