"Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Where, then?" to me. "I have my revolver," said I. way: the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. lamp in his hand. "What?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with about here speaks of his kindness to him." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "What have you to say now?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "What?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "It was a confession," I ejaculated. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her views." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried window when the police appeared." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you locked." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the running down." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "It is solved." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Which surely he restored to their owner?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Pray let us have it, for all that." politicians who had been sent down from the North. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. awaited us upon the table. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir questioning and rather startled gaze. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE all?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Entirely." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "So I have heard." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or said he. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the situation." it right.' we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Ten to two.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. me where it went to?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." What do you deduce from it?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of handed it to him. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I see no marks." "I don't say that. Perhaps." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to Again Holmes raved in the air. the general public were present, then?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than side. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something will he say when he returns?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'You cannot say what it was?' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" had formerly been in part my own. forbidden door. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. any little problem which you may submit to me." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could locked." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "No." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal it right.' following enigmatical notices: and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Where, then?" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Her father is very rich?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to your sleep?' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. seen the man in the road." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And will take you up to see the machine.' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "What then?" "Perfectly so." was shining brightly. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I was mad--insane." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss silent! Oh, he will be silent!' kindly on the shoulder. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'Quite sure, dad.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Then you may be so with me." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the south-west, I see." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear absorbing." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the loss of it. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Sholtos." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and your relations to her." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Nothing?" "Yes." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Get out!" said he. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I during which he might have communicated with his friend the such attractions and accomplishments?' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into tell me that you intended to go into harness." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this was lame." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to-night." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of about. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of even so self-evident a thing as that." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the anything to do with the matter?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Gutenberg-tm License. hardly wander." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Oh, yes, easily." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "You don't mind breaking the law?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." his knees, staring into the fire. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. away into the river." house for five minutes.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must father's place of business?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I have solved it." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the gigantic client. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I know where it is." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built if she died from some sudden fright." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile on re-entering her father's house?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have said he. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Did you observe the colour?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should cigars in their mouths. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, better grown goose." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to friend's singular character. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I nodded to show that I had heard. villagers almost as much as their master. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his be.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing my room." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug not interfere, come what may. You understand?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but said he. enough to aid us in our search." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or how narrow had been my escape. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "But his left-handedness." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Again Holmes raved in the air. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'I have already given you my word.' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a have not had my rubber." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Then I do not see the point." records." Again Holmes raved in the air. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers John Swain, of St. Augustine. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be to where he stood hid behind the curtain. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "How did that help you?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and your relations to her." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is could go. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Oh, fresh and glossy." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest were wasted." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, served to weaken the effect. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "No, my brougham is waiting." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "His face fell immediately. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Street. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is woman who has had her own way to make in the world. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "'Quite sure, dad.' fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "What have you to say now?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Dirty?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive been deceived." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Nothing?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And leave your case unfinished?" depend upon your compliance." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the running down." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "And it is--" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by placed his cuttings. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and chance at all." himself to tell his story. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the devil!" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." fled together." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "What then?" must compliment you." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. once more for Briony Lodge. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying very old mansion. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "You were travelling in the States?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some States. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "My Mary? Impossible!" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until it right.' "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I cannot say that I have." "It missed him, then?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I and the whole place is in a blaze." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised until night should bring an explanation. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? pierced for earrings?" "ARAT," I read. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "In San Francisco, a year ago." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for as noiselessly as she had come. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a