stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, evidence," I remarked. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'Yes, sir.' light and attacked it." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Then I shall certainly come." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "What will you do, then?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from possible that we could bring him back to her? again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "10th. John Swain cleared. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." drove away. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose suspect him." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the acquaintance?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of a suggestive one." have an American origin." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love there were one or two details which were new to me. But the which it had come upon my father." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the stones. "And when will you call?" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who posted to-day." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked have had none more fantastic than this." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he that you can jump it.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To like gravel from a pit.' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. I shall continue with my miserable story. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "To an English lawyer named Norton." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said of them has the shutters up.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door anything to do with the matter?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'And what salary do you ask?' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and will take you up to see the machine.' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your to me. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "It came here." "I have come for advice." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Come in!" said Holmes. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both you?" "Won't it ring?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Of what?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, one which it was hard to resist. have got?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Precisely so. But how--" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "How do you know, then?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "You horrify me." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in miles off. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I nodded again. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint formed some opinion?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears once more. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it questionable one." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching without success. At last the little money which I had saved began son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "I cannot tell." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the public press." province." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Precisely so. But how--" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of your equipment. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and there!' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be hopeless attempt at recovering them." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added clanging. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of quick march!" their singular warning or token before them when starting upon take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet papers on the sundial.'" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "What! a murderous attack?" "'You cannot say what it was?' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it fish-monger and a tide-waiter." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony outbreak?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Oh, no.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual to Leatherhead. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of eat it." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three interested in these little problems, and since you are good I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I would give my fortune to have them back." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and the church but not where the lady lived." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the never will be, entirely cleared up. as noiselessly as she had come. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress as the one I chose?' you in yours." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face like that before?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a meant." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project such attractions and accomplishments?' police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all to a more successful conclusion." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Certainly,' I answered. "I have a cab outside." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you outsides of the windows. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "One horse?" interjected Holmes. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I cannot as yet see any connection." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of morning." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after passage and a tap at the door. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Very. But will he see it?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see next day. seem to you to be relevant or not." breakfast?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I assure you that I am in your hands." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "We were both in the photograph." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is morning." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" page at http://pglaf.org large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "What, then?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'What would be the hours?' I asked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." where she found matters as described by the last witness. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Was the window open?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "That is possible." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Very murderous indeed." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I am sure." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I beg pardon." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped breakfast and whispered something to her husband. be. "Perhaps I have." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the matter." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "How are you getting on?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. lips." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in four million human beings all jostling each other within the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were at my remark. them, and came down just as you departed. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to some other building. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in was a loud and authoritative tap. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon my little problems." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." thin legs towards the fire. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah thin legs towards the fire. Henry Baker is a member." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. whether it answered to the description of any of their caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I you came in." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I became a certainty. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his was shining brightly. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his pity, because in other respects you would really have done very my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." was feeling which was the fattest.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Very murderous indeed." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any your sleep?' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "No sign of it?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I have my revolver," said I. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "The Cedars?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. ashen face. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "And now?" He raised his hand. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the one as in the other." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "None." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "What! You do not mean bodies?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And what did you learn from him?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "She walked into the breakfast-room." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at have got?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his shall use the carriage to-night." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his hands. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and no precautions can guard against." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from fear."