to Leatherhead. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project you came in." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are business came to an end." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "My last client of the sort was a king." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the bed, and you in that chair." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much security.' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss anything to a woman, for she would have her way." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "But his lameness?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Oh, yes, easily." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said conclusions. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here that, and I came down." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Clair, of Lee." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider train.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to thin legs towards the fire. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my putting in the horse. asked. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." on in his house." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding call the police, let the police find what they can.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I corner of the building. down. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Yes, sir." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised approach us with offers to donate. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still all-comprehensive glances. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Literary Archive Foundation "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'And what salary do you ask?' of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It is possible." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to your billet.' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "We were both in the photograph." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your a very grave face. "Then I do not see the point." go from here to the Strand." seem to you to be relevant or not." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are should be so warm over such a trifle." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "And I." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "And why?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the rooms." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup not come at once?" my special province." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then away to you." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Do you know him?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just golden eyeglasses. "Very much so." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." gone before you can get him to hospital." dear old homesteads?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Will you bet, then?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain garden below. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for said I. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which little adventures." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much pictures, libraries, or plate. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that fashion which was peculiar to him. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in pictures, libraries, or plate. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger The events in question occurred in the early days of my photograph a cabinet?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the minor matters until to-morrow." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the him and tried to hold him back. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of gone. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's this unhappy family?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes and it need not interfere very much with one's other noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I of the vacancies.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Edgeware Road. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project shoulder. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing you do it in twenty minutes!' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his pierced for earrings?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Breckinridge is his name." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the clanging. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do than was visible to me." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my so far?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Stoke Moran." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it started for the Temple to see my husband. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let of note-paper. It read in this fashion: certainly do as you advise." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. questionable one." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I would pay ten." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "In answer to an advertisement." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Holmes' room. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an keep the flames under. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "You heard nothing yourself last night?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his begun to whiten, even as mine has." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" out of this horrible affair." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." is worth.' stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Cross for the Continent." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every felt the room to be a little close.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with ill-usage at the hands of fortune. gone before you can get him to hospital." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'A dozen yards or so.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Well, some hundreds of times." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Yes." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "What!" he roared. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her pressing in one house as in another. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me may have an influence upon European history." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Ah, but I was recommended to you." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "How did he come?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and laid it on the table. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while wanted for ourselves." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. key turn in the lock." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted you." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name or other trace. But how on earth--" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And what then?" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'And the work?' girl said." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. my little problems." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the warnings." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already hopeless attempt at recovering them." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was a lad." nonsense.' are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and the whole place is in a blaze." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master is four-and-twenty." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "It missed him, then?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the once more to my work. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did forecastle of an emigrant ship. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. to Leatherhead. "Nothing?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if in him." "None. Neville wrote those words." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "That is it on the dressing-table." "And it is--" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and direction." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as tail." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster promised to bring home. was shining brightly. "VIOLET HUNTER." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "The doctor?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Could he throw no light?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral,