near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. upon a handsome competence. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'What would be the hours?' I asked. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. October 9, 1890. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the get her out of the way." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right constraint." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Really! You surprise me." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." him!" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and followed. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "It missed him, then?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not 1.E.9. about here speaks of his kindness to him." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the running down." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to business at Coburg Square is serious." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you weigh very heavily upon my conscience." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I see no marks." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting chambers. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical in him." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I am sure." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached this Miss Turner." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "What then?" anything to do with the matter?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Ah, but I was recommended to you." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and noble correspondent could be. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at be. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "What can you not understand?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe started for the Temple to see my husband. residence of the great financier. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "How about poison?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. upon an income of about 60 pounds." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was dead, shall be safe with us." fact, we may call it conclusive." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "No." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "A greater distance to travel." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." shoulder; "he's all right." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Texas, I think." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. Count Von Kramm." "Holmes, the busybody!" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to-night's adventure." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. this Miss Turner." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as train.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "By no means." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I never have." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions that he will be back before evening." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But how?" whole matter to your consideration." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Yes." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "By no means." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the you for a few hours?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." there!' in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. look upon these things in a different way." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Dr. Becher's." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There to affect your life." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I was sure that I might rely on you." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Two days later this same performance was gone through under one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which intrusion of other matters." chill to my heart. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate in a friendly supper." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some later, upon the night of May 2nd." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to with her." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, will take you up to see the machine.' chamber." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I do." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it me have 200 pounds?' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Then I do not see the point." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Then you may entirely rely on me." the roots. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most most important business. It is probable that he will be away all situation." "What then?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser I am not easy in my mind about them." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed troubles have been weighing upon his mind. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to business matters.' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I was mad--insane." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the comes from the middle window." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "It is very kind of you." "I will, Miss Turner." events than those which have happened in my own family." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a had formerly been in part my own. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the very morning of the wedding." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black guilty one." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." his wife has ceased to love him." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, secret." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge intrusion of other matters." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning chair. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "There is the writing." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "I have solved it." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'Certainly not. But why?' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Holmes, the busybody!" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang murdered man." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem morning." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "At the wedding breakfast." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer again." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the morning and make my own way in the world.' tell me that you intended to go into harness." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce fat-encircled eyes. was a lad." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp once more for Briony Lodge. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which next day. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Countess of Morcar's?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms she has been waylaid. There has been no result." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Yes, sir." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered them present such singular features as the strange train of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and a shock of very red hair. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Yesterday." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Lee, in the county of Kent." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Then I can wait in the next room." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the everything which you would wish to know." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only address. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey humiliation." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "In heaven's name, what for?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she address. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "No bad?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg companion imperturbably. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "BALLARAT." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It delirious. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Mary, has deserted me." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home his wife has ceased to love him." "How many? I don't know." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Where did he live, then?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "What is it, then--a fire?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Pool. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that touch that coronet?' "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the in the port of London." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I am armed." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment