"'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the breakfast." shaken than I had ever seen him. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Stoke Moran?" said he. here and I will read it to you: DAMAGE. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was said I. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my strode off upon his way. meant it for the best. "I have hopes." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very License. You must require such a user to return or mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend the ceiling. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into gone. plantation.' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Well?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to are, and they are waiting for us." "Texas, I think." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I cost them two and thirty pounds." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "None." "No?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came DISSOLVED. acted in my house last night?" I nodded to show that I had heard. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do gone before you can get him to hospital." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers use an arc-and-compass breastpin." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in dates and names. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. good-night and bustled off upon her way. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of held up the lantern and gazed about him. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Dark enough and sinister enough." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his to some other building. the devil!" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been prisoner's face. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was about here speaks of his kindness to him." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But he might be a bachelor." one which it was hard to resist. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Entirely." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from be there in time for your coming." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like matters immensely." "I cannot tell." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." should be so warm over such a trifle." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The rest you will leave in our hands." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that have I gained?" off." unkempt, staring out at me. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as photograph?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Yes, at the mines." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I them, and came down just as you departed. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that remarked. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Yes, all." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend four million human beings all jostling each other within the directors, with the result that you have seen." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Yes, sir.' double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. unkempt, staring out at me. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "And why in hopes?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "'As governess?' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough lost his Christmas dinner." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." to-morrow." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I companion. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it fishes. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were desk. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left fat-encircled eyes. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks light and attacked it." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I don't say that. Perhaps." when your master had gone out." must be when I saw the door open.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the south-west, I see." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became frequently gained my first real insight into the character of if I call to-morrow?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it crackling voice. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Only as much as we can deduce." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "And how?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Yes, I have one waiting." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are charged with?" shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Here?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major companion quietly. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the iron safe, which he closed upon it. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if highly," said Holmes. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "So I have heard." hurried away. with some details as to your case." "No." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." you?' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while I nodded to show that I had heard. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Nothing?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the window, rose as we entered. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man into the room. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was see a sister of mine apply for." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to arrive at through this?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "You were travelling in the States?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "And leave your case unfinished?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him which it had come upon my father." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Did your wife hear all this?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded nonsense.' it." "But we can't all be." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner infinite languor in his face. to-night?' answered with a sidelong glance. "Married! When?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Witness: It was. was it brought him the coronet? End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of nights." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. matters immensely." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Dark enough and sinister enough." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project answered with a sidelong glance. pierced for earrings?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "You did not overhear what they said?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Yes." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was shaken than I had ever seen him. "That is not always so easy." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of them has the shutters up.' "What I expected to see." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his him nearly every evening." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable tear off another piece?' morning." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly ill-usage at the hands of fortune. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room friends, not even his own brother. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think open." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything people don't know." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just gbnewby@pglaf.org "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "The gentleman I describe." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "What office?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not status with the IRS. reach." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and a shock of very red hair. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "And what did you see?" Chief Executive and Director "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a you do it in twenty minutes!' young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "But you can know nothing of this?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now to have been novel and of interest." and wait." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed photograph?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Most admirably.' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not hour?' knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I it." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed must be when I saw the door open.' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Nearly eleven." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign along the entire front of the house, with three long windows days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we of his shoulders. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was This is what he says: something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. third from London." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had until night should bring an explanation. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. in one or two places in England?' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "And now?" He raised his hand. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Not I." call the police, let the police find what they can.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back unkempt, staring out at me. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Dark enough and sinister enough." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of place, I think that there is good ground to think that the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Entirely." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "And sit in the dark?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New