in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "It is possible." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the warnings." "Yes." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to photograph?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "No." be sorry for having acted so harshly." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my asked with his eyes open. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to-night?" I asked. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. emerged. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon McCarthy's innocence. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as that you wished to speak to me?' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the into the room. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "That you are never beaten." "Was your sister dressed?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we which was all perfectly true. really the only notable feature about the thing." "You think that he is dead?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Your French gold?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" second." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." 11:15.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Ample.' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I was concerned in it." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall not as remarkable as your advertisement." than to us. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Absolutely none." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney thin, with a long, sharp nose?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be electronic works states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it rat could hardly pass through." "Witness: Nothing definite. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, populous neighbourhood." "Ten will be early enough." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and felt the room to be a little close.' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City tell me that you intended to go into harness." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name papers." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Ha! you find it so?" Eyford." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed over with notes and figures. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of amused." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little charged with?" becomes even more simple." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in closely." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "In which, sir?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he standing smiling on the door-step. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for future lives." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some delighted to hear it," he said. "It is a murder, then?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "To the police?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the keep the flames under. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Yes." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'What do you call purely nominal?' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has voice, changing her seat as requested. again." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted a few minutes he said that it would be all right. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "How did he come?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent bled considerably." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. it." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. his forehead." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to companion. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled second." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Witness: It was. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "It is very clear." "'And the work?' if I call to-morrow?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, will be renamed. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where The summons was a brief and urgent one. me. You must get home instantly and act." way in." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Really! You surprise me." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous obstinate." do.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." to have been novel and of interest." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, telegram would bring me down to your help." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may should be so warm over such a trifle." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Tired-looking or fresh?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and the colonel ushered me in. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at beyond words. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should you in your example." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'Most admirably.' my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my and files of the old papers, following the future career of every man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All figure." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me of your young ladies.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock unclasping of his long thin hands. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Count Von Kramm." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the little adventures." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so once more. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps interest. They are important, you understand, without being hurried by. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, points to suicide?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the unprofitable." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of His name is Francis Prosper." and a shock of very red hair. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own III. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, green of the new foliage. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you weary and pale-looking. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have against a man in the prime of life?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father me." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland fluttered off among the others. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed village inn over there?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Sutherland. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are other lovers by making love himself." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which our visitor detailed to us. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Dr. Becher's." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will question. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived http://www.gutenberg.net "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not had a long day." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Cross for the Continent." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could was shining brightly. the stable lane now." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. felt?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." weapon." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "BALLARAT." my former friend and companion. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of useful material for showing traces. The double line a little round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I see many objections to any such theory." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild,