be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be guilty parties." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of a very grave face. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which second." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Here?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to said he. "But what will you do?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, young Openshaw's." putting in the horse. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Dr. Gregory B. Newby a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the station." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed new duties?' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "But you have hopes?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it careless servant girl?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their towards the blaze. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Do you go out much in society?" observed. it." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. mysterious end." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to mystery may be cleared along those lines." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the of the vacancies.' here." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I am about to be married." you." all-comprehensive glances. "But you have hopes?" extraordinary contortions. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One one or two very singular points about this room. For example, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. instituted." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "What then?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE very morning of my second wedding." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "What have you to say now?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself have one." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "Were they all fastened this morning?" Miss Holder?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in showing my impatience. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of coroner's jury." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, only touch the interest." to affect your life." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an to a light-house. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'I shall certainly be there.' written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Serpentine Avenue. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Witness: I must still refuse. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere but preventing her from injuring another. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards that you wished to speak to me?' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Here?" him to go away.' "I came to find a friend." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "No." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "And did you observe any change in her then?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was row." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "And the cigar-holder?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but knowledge of the world." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "And what then?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "That was it, sir." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Yes." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fashion which was peculiar to him. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and derbies." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the astonishment. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective of your young ladies.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, British peeress.'" "He is dead," cried several voices. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," perplexity from it to my illustrious client. chance." quick march!" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." crackling voice. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best 'I should be able to look after that for you.' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Oh, the cause is excellent!" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said words came to my lips. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "And how did he make his money?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and used to be." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and inquire as to the address." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my hour?' my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the there when the Rucastles went away." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Henry Baker is a member." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "He is still with you, I presume?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I will try. What is it?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" more terrible than the truth. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his answered with a sidelong glance. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Then I do not see the point." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the felt the room to be a little close.' of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great if I call to-morrow?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." present." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I nodded again. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried someone who had been in Australia." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Pray do so." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding you." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I shall be delighted." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a your room." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "And how did you find out?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some front of the hall door has given its name to the place. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our look upon these things in a different way." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were too. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE bird I ate is country bred." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson just ask you whether you had heard it.' for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and that I can to serve you." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have heavy and sharp instrument." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "You horrify me!" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, light and attacked it." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling waste of energy." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The doctor?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the more solid." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I should like to see him very much." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the forebodings. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations stammered. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the other means.' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'And what salary do you ask?' more solid." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "And what did you see?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I here." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third business." "And leave your case unfinished?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six whether it answered to the description of any of their I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your instituted." he died? up this clue while it is still hot." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into what these perils are?" throat." I held the little printed slip to the light. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come ran thus: they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." My friend smiled. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "You have compromised yourself seriously." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "You were travelling in the States?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the coroner come to?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. hereditary King of Bohemia." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." she to prove their authenticity?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in room?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert just ask you whether you had heard it.' these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "That is it on the dressing-table." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Very truly yours, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the at home. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying outbreak?"