I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the coronet in his hands?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I have my revolver," said I. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I cannot tell." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already despaired of." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser placed his cuttings. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had through." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in standing smiling on the door-step. "My private note-paper." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It is his hat." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key this remarkable episode. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell to a light-house. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is past. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered there were so many in the whole country as were brought together beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "But I have heard all that you have heard." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project this Miss Turner." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he new duties?' would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "My dear Holmes!" tied." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You horrify me." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and to you." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could about here speaks of his kindness to him." anything to do with the matter?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in strength of mind to control. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. had a long day." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "How on earth--" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Of Friday, June 19th." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought fashion which was peculiar to him. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I shall communicate with you." "So I have heard." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "And you can do nothing until then?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up at a side door. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were them present such singular features as the strange train of the coronet in his hands?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for during which he might have communicated with his friend the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do nonsense.' possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he lids now and glanced across at his visitor. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," with her." your most interesting statement." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Your French gold?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had and shall probably return to London by the evening train." just called myself is not exactly my own." round and wave him away like that.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to it." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell young Openshaw's." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt my former friend and companion. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. waste of energy." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when lectures into a series of tales." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "You horrify me." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "And how?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But his left-handedness." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Murdered?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence vault. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I was afraid that you were engaged." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But you have hopes?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in in my life." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should fishes. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester indeed happy." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this characteristics, but those are the more obvious." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that you saw all that I did." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "How are you getting on?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "It's nothing of the kind." "And what did you learn from him?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after south, for the country is more deserted there." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "At what time?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "A client, then?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "But to whom?" "And from a noble client?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's this remarkable episode. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "The King of Scandinavia." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Do you go out much in society?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Yes, it was gone.' trying to your nerves." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "What, then, did Peterson do?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "It missed him, then?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault guilty one." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Yes, but only for you and me." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was think, you have already met." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone next day. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little enter Dr. Roylott's room." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'I have already given you my word.' manager. enough to aid us in our search." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the inquest, and which are worth considering." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Yes, only one." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "And now?" I asked. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, spark where all is dark to me." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Absolutely none." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "But she could not love him." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had I shall continue with my miserable story. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his to tell." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. points to suicide?" such attractions and accomplishments?' lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of instincts rose up against that laugh. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much hour?' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at cost them two and thirty pounds." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Have you good authority for what you say?" you?' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think me upon any point which I do not make clear." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation article?" status with the IRS. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yes. He waved his hands." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Always." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he she might be summoned. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a himself to hunt down. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "None." colour had been driven from his face. he. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with chill to my heart. "I cannot tell." "What shall I do?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. words came to my lips. night.' said he. people don't know." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of I approached. that, and I came down." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to as he remarks, very much against the son." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "That's no good." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Just look it up, then." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Nothing." as the one I chose?' he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Yes, he did." may have an influence upon European history." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a will be renamed. as he remarks, very much against the son." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I to Leatherhead. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out his cane at the bell-pull. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two father's young wife. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or once more on the important position which you have been fortunate fishes. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is It was close upon four before the door opened, and a some water from a caraffe. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." your most interesting statement." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not on re-entering her father's house?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "In which, sir?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "'Yes, sir.' his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and I shall be with you presently." mysterious end." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive plantation.' right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the have an American origin." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "And how?" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for