walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if mystery!" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and all of them with the keenest interest. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could where we are going." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A developed." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Yes." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same to a more successful conclusion." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, shall use the carriage to-night." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Why did you beat the pavement?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "He is dead," cried several voices. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I am to be neutral?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "By no means." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "She walked into the breakfast-room." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. ceremony." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Where is it, then?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "What can you not understand?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "No, I think that I'll take it." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Why, it's a dummy," said he. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "It is very clear." "Pray do so." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you your bag." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "But what is it you wish?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "What is it, then--a fire?" "He slept on the premises." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "The King of Scandinavia." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm least a fellow-countryman. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "You are hungry," I remarked. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "And you thought he was pulled back?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you You want to know what became of those geese?" gigantic client. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Did your wife hear all this?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was a loud and authoritative tap. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would so far?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he there!' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible into the room. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'Yes, sir.' his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit as yours." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in deduce something from that?" "You know me, then?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as quick march!" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for this as likely?" "How many? I don't know." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had prepare for the new role I have to play." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm happened." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "But how will you look?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Whose house is it?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had The summons was a brief and urgent one. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was chambers. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the with frightened eyes at his accuser. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time she used." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "That was it, sir." a monotonous occupation." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. it." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Yes." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt stood on the top of it. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "By no means." when you have done it." bears upon the case?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered sofa. This way, please!" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'Yes.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project for the market.' "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you of it with the greatest attention. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an spark where all is dark to me." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and I nodded to show that I had heard. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, tell them apart.' of Fenchurch Street." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with papers." himself to hunt down. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Texas, I think." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like it." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect are windows in it, of course?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'Stolen!' he cried. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They on re-entering her father's house?" indiscretion." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "How on earth--" asked. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 night.' said he. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I have hopes." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two me upon any point which I do not make clear." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the not, dad?" she asked. "By no means." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "What! You do not mean bodies?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "But it has twice been burgled." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "It is true that I have been generally successful." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "And how?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Where, then, is my wife?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard waste of energy." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I have come for advice." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "How can you tell that?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "But he might be a bachelor." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, handed it to him. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'I have heard so.' deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." a little more before I quite committed myself. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless your billet.' "In heaven's name, what for?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom spark where all is dark to me." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "The knees of his trousers." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I breakfast and whispered something to her husband. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the papers diligently of late, have you not?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the window, rose as we entered. sneer upon his pale face. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to what I may call a really hard day's work." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by must compliment you." "An enemy?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Yes, only one." anything to do with the matter?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. shoulder; "he's all right." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Murdered?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My crime. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. third from London." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "No, my brougham is waiting." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events at my own good fortune. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Come in!" said Holmes. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any had this final quarrel? grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I don't say that. Perhaps." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Yes, it was twisted." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. was used.' through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand official police." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick standing smiling on the door-step. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You know me, then?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I think that any burglar could have done. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of get her out of the way." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Yes, sir." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "None." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'Yes, it was gone.' present." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him together. six. Come in!" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from nice household for a young lady." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads back alive. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "What! Had he lost his wife?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the joking. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "It is to him that this trophy belongs." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Just look it up, then." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance down in his armchair and closing his eyes. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I cannot tell." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and memory. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Witness: I must still refuse. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Then I do not see the point." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity was shining brightly. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon anything to do with the matter?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys recall any case within my experience which looked at the first his eyes and forehead. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never *** START: FULL LICENSE *** well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had My friend smiled. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long,