tell him that I know him to be innocent." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Mary, has deserted me." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body night.' said he. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Pray do so." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." letters?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in tapping his fingers upon the table. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Literary Archive Foundation could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "We must have a cab." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I say it is." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Where did you address your letters, then?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." several quiet little villages up there." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "But I have heard all that you have heard." and no precautions can guard against." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, page at http://pglaf.org and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to lost nothing by them." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the Assizes." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'I am sure that I do not know.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "And you thought he was pulled back?" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "That was it, sir." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the devil!" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. shoulder; "he's all right." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might such person." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Yes." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. companion quietly. it." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety recall any case within my experience which looked at the first flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake in him." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very which was all perfectly true. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. sound at heart." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Pope's Court, Fleet Street." girl said." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Absolutely?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "And the murderer?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the annoyance, but no jest. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the absorbing." furiously. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the approach us with offers to donate. "Yes." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Munro.' "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as is a common subject for conversation. do you make of it all?" like that before?" joking. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the dangers which encompass me." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. questionable one." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most closely." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Yes." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of but preventing her from injuring another. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you brain must have something in it." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is his grey eyes. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. one's self under obligations.' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. views." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put and have this put in the evening papers." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his here and I will read it to you: gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb leave you to your papers for a little." ways of our fellow-men." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. companion. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Have you it here?" families. Now for the facts. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Precisely." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and the whole place is in a blaze." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I should wish to." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "It came here." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Not him." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with stammered. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, not, dad?" she asked. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "My Mary? Impossible!" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "And I." "And who is her maid?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Come in!" said Holmes. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly you?" wedding?" him and tried to hold him back. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps you, my dear young lady?' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking was it brought him the coronet? someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade wanted for ourselves." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No, I think that I'll take it." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Dark enough and sinister enough." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a three fields round his house, and there he would take his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let been shamefully used." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which to-night's adventure." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "It is true that I have been generally successful." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will to a light-house. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he both be extremely obliged.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Holmes, the busybody!" the dangers which encompass me." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the families. Now for the facts. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "It came here." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she discontent upon his features. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a must be when I saw the door open.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. what these perils are?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the little opening for the ventilator is." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the better grown goose." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the Assizes." "Were they all fastened this morning?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, have an American origin." not as remarkable as your advertisement." sake, don't!" case before our client came into the room." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "So I heard. You have him here?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "To the police?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of emerged. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think indiscretion." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose to take care of herself." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by results." not fit the lock." system of imprisonment?" visitors." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. telegram would bring me down to your help." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the few hundred pounds.' tell him that I know him to be innocent." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have I gained?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door beyond words. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "To the police?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "And I say east," said my patient. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own opened the door, and slipped through. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of your room." beg that you will break it off." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further arrested. You then--" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting pictures, libraries, or plate. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into up this clue while it is still hot." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his companion. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "It must be recovered." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended pierced for earrings?" and a shock of very red hair. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my It was close upon four before the door opened, and a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug easy-going way." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my into the bag, and made for the door. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "No?" remarked. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "And that is--" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I galvanised. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in congenial hunt. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that