"Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm any more." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and be best to do. "Then, as to money?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and put his glass in his pocket. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is hard-headed British jury." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "But the mystery?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I enough to aid us in our search." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by call the police, let the police find what they can.' directors have had misgivings upon the subject." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes think you a quite exceptional woman." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Ample." him!" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' knowledge of the world." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "You have carte blanche." when your master had gone out." crowd. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and interests were the same as his." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "How can you tell that?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Where, indeed?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door interested in these little problems, and since you are good have got?" "Certainly." "I cannot say that I have." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Have you her photograph?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Dirty?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Watson," he said cordially. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." weapon." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin daring than any effort of the imagination." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know helping a boy to put up the shutters. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Does that suggest anything?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the lips." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "That is it on the dressing-table." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Then what has happened to him?" "At what time?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Never." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was criminal. We have already had experience of such." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. other means.' "My own seal." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," note?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning bird of prey. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise open." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty must be when I saw the door open.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "So I heard. You have him here?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I some place of shelter and let the county police know what has evidence," I remarked. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being thin legs towards the fire. man. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "What, then?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a which it had come upon my father." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor charged with?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm crackling voice. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to arrive at through this?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. both be extremely obliged.' brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I say it is." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled with you alone." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no nothing of it?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be public press." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white my special province." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you information in his hands the value of which he did not himself plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and effective." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By train from Paddington which would bring you there at about who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to details." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered absorbing." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and files of the old papers, following the future career of every side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." to his chemical studies. been deceived." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "No. What a strange idea!" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Nearly eleven." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have which our visitor detailed to us. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "To an English lawyer named Norton." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how you." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "It is very kind of you." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. recover the gem." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he always that they were such commands as a lady might with matter over." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "No. His orders were to stay in the house." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'Where could I find him?' felt?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is character. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "And why?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Then what has happened to him?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Why did you beat the pavement?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Pool. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Never." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could green of the new foliage. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "But I am all in the dark." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his clang of the bell. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "He said that you could solve anything." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One green of the new foliage. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was man. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Yes, I have one waiting." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "And who is her maid?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger out." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two careless servant girl?" meant." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked gone. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'It is locked up,' I answered. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "From his hat?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance begin with, and I had not got mine yet." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Holmes, the busybody!" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we future lives." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even sufficient punishment." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her 1.F. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'And what salary do you ask?' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Then what has happened to him?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel For additional contact information: bachelor.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "But I have heard all that you have heard." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Dr. Gregory B. Newby money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has come either from the window or the door. My attention was from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I crime. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front any." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "What then?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and at a side door. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining his face. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the nursery. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Certainly, madam." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "None." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking back to my heart. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Ten will be early enough." lamp in his hand. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Certainly, madam." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything your Highness to the police-station?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, retorted upon me, and I on you." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It was." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would have established a very serious case against the son of the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "Of Friday, June 19th." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old The note was undated, and without either signature or address. face and glided from the room. case-book, which he consulted. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came ordinary clothes on?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." you."