hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Married! When?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through fact, we may call it conclusive." me have 200 pounds?' It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had do." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in him and tried to hold him back. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Lee, in the county of Kent." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to criminal. We have already had experience of such." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily money should be paid at once.' too. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left past. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand child?' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "She told me to ask you." "Yes." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept think you a quite exceptional woman." if only as a check to my own memory." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the coronet in his hands?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the house with me." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is showing my impatience. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his detective. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of own family. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Very good.' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not nonsense.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and all of them with the keenest interest. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" photograph?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his union?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. problems help me to do so." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'And the work?' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Then I do not see the point." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the coat-tails." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she simple cases which are so extremely difficult." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Holmes rather sternly. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in his power. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Ha! you find it so?" residence of the great financier. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "No, distinctly professional." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped ventilator." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to chambers. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If once more on the important position which you have been fortunate following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. foot. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, of the way of danger. Arthur Conan Doyle Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Doctor, of the paper and the date." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Yes." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me outside. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much think, you have already met." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman affection." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in whereabouts. "And how did you verify them?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "And you don't know his address?" until night should bring an explanation. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I was already answered. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to some other building. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though meanly of me." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no and the colonel ushered me in. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that to affect your life." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'About the same.' "You horrify me!" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Mrs. Toller serenely. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight chemical work which was so dear to him. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking girl said." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Tell me all about it,' said I. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I empty. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she some water from a caraffe. will he say when he returns?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "I came to find a friend." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "But to whom?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "What! You do not mean bodies?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yes, the wine-cellar." direction." "What then?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, go from here to the Strand." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "By train from Waterloo." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Ah!" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here detained." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It came here." My friend smiled. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Upon what point?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "No, finished." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train villagers almost as much as their master. cigar and let me expound." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I appeared upon the scene." "Entirely." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few her also." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in locked. this remarkable episode. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary later, upon the night of May 2nd." fact, we may call it conclusive." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and locked." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at mysterious business." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I would pay ten." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, The King stared at him in amazement. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Precisely so. But how--" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Yes, I promise.' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." obstinate." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it bare slabs of marble. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Serpentine Avenue. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the best of training." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of quick march!" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "What! You do not mean bodies?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was thin legs towards the fire. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "This photograph!" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, business in the City. She little knew what. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And the murderer?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Holmes." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to-night." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Come in!" said he. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner compunction about shooting them down." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. so far?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Not in a good cause." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, The King stared at him in amazement. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are and effective." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one throat." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope people don't know." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "And you thought he was pulled back?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification open." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at ventilator." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "No, I had a dozen." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "What do you make of that, Watson?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your just ask you whether you had heard it.' recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out had no one to advise her at such a crisis." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the Cross for the Continent." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a felt?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in strength in the others." astonishment. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Is he quiet?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "And how in the world did you find them?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be are windows in it, of course?" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, residence of the great financier. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Certainly, madam." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Well." never came back." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should really the only notable feature about the thing." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he